Northern Territory Police have rejected pleas to remove officers armed with firearms from remote communities in the wake of a recent death in custody.

Key points: Senior elders in Yuendumu say they do not want guns in their community "as from now"

Senior elders in Yuendumu say they do not want guns in their community "as from now" But NT Police say it is an operational requirement for police to carry guns

But NT Police say it is an operational requirement for police to carry guns Elders have approached Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt with their concerns

Senior elders and politicians had called for officer in some areas to reconsider carrying guns after 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker was shot by police in Yuendumu.

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has been charged with murder over the teenager's death. The 28-year-old officer is currently on bail, suspended from duties on full pay and intends to plead not guilty.

The young man's death triggered rallies across Australia, including thousands of people gathering in Alice Springs yesterday.

A police officer carrying a rifle stands guard in Yuendumu in the wake of the shooting. ( ABC News )

WARNING: This article contains an image of Mr Walker used with the permission of his family.

"We do not want guns in Yuendumu as from now," said Ned Hargraves, a Walpiri elder.

"Policemen are wearing guns in our remote communities.

"We are not the city here, we are the desert."

But a spokesperson for NT Police said it was a health and safety requirement for police in remote communities to carry guns.

"Police will continue to carry guns as part of their usual operational accoutrements, which meets the legislative requirements for health and safety as an employer," the spokesperson said.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said officers would work with the community to "achieve a sustainable remote policing model."

Kumanjayi Walker died after three shots were fired, police have said. ( Supplied: Facebook )

"People in communities want to work with police and help provide solutions and this will continue," he said in a statement.

"The best means of maintaining and building trust is through continuing engagement."

On Thursday night Mr Hargraves took up his concerns with Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt.

Mr Wyatt flew to Alice Springs to meet with community members in the wake of Mr Walker's death.

He attended a community gathering last night at the Alice Springs Showgrounds and met dozens of Yuendumu residents.

He promised to listen to concerns, but said policing was largely an issue for the Territory Government.

Gun ban 'part of healing process'

The local MP for the region, Scott McConnell, joined calls for a review of police weapons in remote communities.

"I think it's absolutely inappropriate for police to be armed the way they are in remote communities. It's not just the firearms, it's the Taser and everything else. It's even the uniform," he said.

"It may well be appropriate in built-up areas … but I'm calling for there to be less firearms on police officers doing general duties in remote communities."

Ken Wyatt (standing) flew to Alice Springs to meet with community members in the wake of Kumanjayi Walker's death. ( ABC News: Isabella Higgins )

In a statement, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the Territory Government would continue to support police.

"Police have to make operational decisions about how they best serve and protect Territorians, and we will continue to support them in making those decisions," he said.

Mr McConnell said he was calling on the Territory Government to consider the recommendation from Walpiri elders.

"We have a really major issue here to deal with at the moment and this may be a really important part of the healing process to look at and review the way police officers use firearms in remote communities," he said.

Another senior elder, Harry Nelson, said he feared the presence of guns could incite fear among children.

"That's what my main concern is — frightening children. Guns should only be worn if there is a major problem in the community," he said.

"They are no good for us."

An increased police presence will be a reality in Yuendumu in the coming weeks. ( ABC News: Katrina Beavan )

"All the kids are frightened, they run away from police," said another Yuendemu resident who wanted to only be known as Cedric.

"They said 'oh policeman, they're going to shoot us', all the kids are saying that. It's really sad."