Tensions remain high on Manus Island amid reports hunger-striking asylum seekers are refusing medical attention and being denied water, as the Greens called again for an independent inspection of the centre.

The government of Papua New Guinea has denied security personnel entered the Australian-run asylum-seeker processing centre on Lombrum naval base, as refugee advocates say detainees have barricaded the gates of Oscar and Delta compounds to prevent officers entering the camp.

• This is Bashir, the face of child detention
• Hunger strike on Manus Island 

No food was delivered to the compounds since Friday afternoon and there is no running water at the centre, Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul says.

“Even those not on hunger strike are being collectively punished for the protest,” Mr Rintoul said.

The claims cannot be independently verified.

A Department of Immigration spokesman said the majority of transferees were calm and co-operating with staff on Friday night.

“Appropriate medical care continues to be available to transferees, including those involved in fluid or food refusal,” the spokesman said.

“We continue to support the government of Papua New Guinea in responding appropriately in these circumstances.

“Whilst some transferees engaged in disruptive behaviour late yesterday, claims reported by some media outlets today that transferees were violently engaged by guards last night at the centre are not correct.”

He said the protest would not alter the government’s policies.

Fresh comment has been sought on Mr Rintoul’s claim food and water is no longer going into the compounds.

The asylum seekers are demanding the department of immigration halt a scheduled January 22 transfer of 50 male detainees to temporary, insecure housing in Lorengau, the Manus capital.

“The asylum seekers are terrified of a repeat of the February attacks last year,” Mr Rintoul said, referring to the death of 23-year-old Iranian detainee Reza Barati in 2014.

“They have good reason. Just this morning, Wilson security guards made more threats that refugees will die as soon as they move out of the detention centre,” Mr Rintoul said.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has renewed calls for an independent inspection of the facility.

“There does need to be a proper independent investigation into what is going on at the asylum-seeker centre,” she said.

Senator Hanson-Young said it was her understanding that some asylum seekers are refusing medical attention.

“Rejecting medical assistance is because they feel they would prefer to die than to suffer inside, and that’s an awful situation the government needs to respond to,” she said on Saturday.

“I plead with anybody inside that centre, please don’t hurt yourself.”

Mr Rintoul said about 500 asylum seekers are on a hunger strike, while 40 have stitched their lips together, four have swallowed detergent, and three have swallowed razor blades.

About 50 were taken to the medical centre inside the detention compound for rehydration overnight, although Mr Rintoul said they refused treatment when they regained consciousness.

– AAP