Jonglei Governor asks Garang students to resemble their “father”
By Philip Thon Aleu
June 30, 2008 (BOR TOWN) – Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk cautioned John Garang students on Monday against tribal criticisms which are likely to spark segregation and untold-tensions but rather adopt behaving “like John Garang who was a symbol of unity” among tribes.
The Governor made the statement while briefing Garang Institute students on the procedure students arrested on Saturday, are due to go through before released or fined; but assured them that “they are very safe at the hands of National Security unit.” After the Security officials are through with investigation, he says, the students may “go to the court or released when the case is light.”
On the other hand, students’ leaders tranquil to press the government for an immediate release of their colleagues but argued that the Governor should go deeper into understanding the “root of the problem”- which they say is being exaggerated, in order to yield a comprehensive solution.
“The arrested students were misled by one among us here and punishing them in anyway is not the solution,” said Guild President John Thon Ajuong adding that his government was a solution but undermined. He then asked the ring leader to start up for recognition.
According to the students’ leader, this student is the brain behind the tribal-internet clashes that ignited detention of two students by National Security unit on Saturday.
He charged him of coiling the word “minority” when referring to Institute students rather than Dinka Bor, undermining students’ and Institute’s administrations, indulging himself into lecturers’ decision making as regarding students’ performances and brewing what he calls “total tribal conflict in the Institute.” Mr. Ajuong charged him too, of sinking deeper the youths since he is the chair of Jonglei State Youths Association.
On his part as the Governor, Kuol Manyang – in unanticipated speech, advised the students to work hard in helping the state to uproot tribalism and segregation which he says are the major causes of tribal conflicts.
On Sunday, the Governor made a strong speech, denouncing Garang students’ behaviors which speculated fears of closing the Institute or disciplining students accordingly when he stated clearly that “any sort of demonstration by the students will be dealt with by the police.”
The students denied planning any plan to demonstrate but held the state responsible of not providing adequate security around the campus.
“It is because of low number of security personals around the Institute that messages link out any how,” Guild president said adding that “we trust our government.”
Third student was collected at mid-day for complete investigation making the number of students in the detention three. The other two are almost done with their investigation and told Sudan Tribune at the National Security headquarters that “we are granted free movement only to come and spend the night here.”
The hail security forces of been “friendly and indeed peaceful” – confirming governor’s assurance of total safety.
“We have recruited good citizens into the National Security forces and the belief that security forces kill is thing of a past,” Gen. Kuol told students at Garang Institute today.
Also present at today briefing were Inspector General of police Riak Akon, State Minister for Land Eng. John Amuor Kuol, state commissioner Gai Riem and Governor’s advisors.
The proposed public rally has been postponed, highlighting that the matter is within the reach.
(ST)