Protest not the right option, says Manning

The protest at Kokoda Track has been deemed illegal by Police Commissioner David Manning, stating there are proper channels to air their grievances.

Mr Manning said Police have ensured the safe return of trekkers who were affected by the blockage of the track by locals after spending a night at Owers’ Corner.

Commissioner Manning said that while investigations are continuing, police are satisfied that there has been no threat to the welfare of the trekkers and that blocking passage is a protest by landowners.

"This is an illegal protest and there are better ways to air grievances than to prevent our mainly foreign travelers from completing this historic journey,” he said.

"The Kokoda Track is of great significance for the history of our Nation and the countries that fought along it during World War Il.

"It must also be pointed out that the land owners who blocked the track also depend on income from trekking groups so they are only undermining themselves.”

The Memorial track is one of the tourist attention areas in PNG and Manning said such act by landowners would affect the flow of income from international trekkers.

The police commissioner said discussions between police and landowners have started in hopes of resolving the matter in time to allow the continuity of track walking.

He added that criminal conduct by disgruntled locals will face the full force of the law.

"If investigations reveal criminal conduct by any party, then arrests and prosecutions will follow swiftly,” the commissioner said.

"l am disappointed that the land owners would protest in this manner. Walking the Kokoda Track is a lifelong dream for people with and emotional or historic connection with what happened during the war.”

Manning said the passage of at least 64 people as organised groups had been interrupted and police investigation will continue.