Thousands of Hanuabada villagers converged on police headquarters in Papua New Guinea's National Capital District last night to protest against the alleged police shooting of a young man.
Initial reports from villagers allege that the killing occurred after National Capital District Commission Reservists stormed into the Hanuabada market to disperse betel nut vendors.
The police say at about 5:30 PM yesterday, villagers brought the dead man's body to Police Headquarters, where they said it would remain until their demands were met.
The demands include a post-mortem to be conducted on the body, all funeral expenses to be met by police, monetary compensation and compensation for the damage caused at the markets.
The villagers say the Hanuabada village is now a no-go zone for police, and the road into the village, as well as the Badihagwa road, will be closed until their demands are met.
The Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki promised the thousands gathered that an immediate and thorough investigation would be conducted into the killing, and those responsible would be brought to justice.
