Youths use game to go on rampage

By DANIEL M DAVID

 

SOUTHERN Highlanders who did not travel to Lae in Morobe to watch their rugby league team play Goroka Lahanis in the bemobile Cup grand final went on a rampage last Friday and smashed walls of the Agiru Centre and Bank South Pacific office branch, The National reports.

The group, comprising mainly youths, demanded last Thursday that the provincial government hire buses and trucks to take them to Lae to watch Mendi Muruks take on Lahanis.

Getting no response from the provincial administration, the frustrated youths, who were joined by informal sector vendors, pelted both buildings with rocks and other missiles.

Provincial administrator William Powi condemned the actions of the youths.

“People of Southern Highlands must understand that the provincial government is there to serve the whole population and not a few selfish individuals.

“Muruks is our team and we are proud of them making the grand final; genuine supporters have travelled to Lae on their own.

“I condemn the behaviour and primitive actions of these youths,” he added.

Powi said his office was not a sports office and, even though the provincial government had assisted the Muruks financially, the budget did not cater for supporters’ transportation.

“Police were outnumbered and did not make any arrests.

“But, there are youths who are known to police and they will be arrested,” the provincial administrator said.

Mendi police and provincial police commander Supt Terry Tei could not be reached for comments.