GAM's 'support' for Aceh<\/p>\n
From Suara Karya<\/p>\n
The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) aims to break away from Indonesia
\nthrough political means and armed rebellion, claiming to struggle
\nfor the aspirations and welfare of the Acehnese people.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, GAM, in the name of its struggle, commits such
\ncrimes as intimidation, hostage-taking, terrorism, robbery and
\narson, mainly targeting the local people.<\/p>\n
So, which group of Acehnese does GAM fight for?<\/p>\n
Based on information from the Acehnese and other knowledgeable
\nfigures visiting the province, I have come to realize that GAM's
\npolitical struggle is not purely for the Acehnese, and was partly
\ncaused by individual dissatisfaction that has been fanned into
\ncollective discontent.<\/p>\n
Armed GAM members split into three distinct groups. The first
\ncomprises those seeking revenge for relatives who were killed
\nduring the military operation. The second consists of those
\ndisappointed by the central government's Acehnese policy, and
\nnumber very few.<\/p>\n
The third consists of hoodlums and recidivists from regions
\noutside Aceh eluding the law. They evade prosecution by joining
\nGAM and form the major part of the separatist group. Their
\narrogance and brutality considerably disturbs the Acehnese.<\/p>\n
It is thus not surprising that, amid public concern over the
\ndisaster that befell the province and its people, GAM continues
\nto rob people of their food rations as the nation's soldiers and
\nvolunteers distribute aid and help disaster victims.<\/p>\n
Following the calamity, have we heard any word of concern from
\nGAM leaders regarding the suffering of the Acehnese people for
\nwhom they claim to be fighting? They have never made a statement
\nto this effect, nor have they provided any material contribution.<\/p>\n
ALMOSI DRESTO
\nJakarta<\/p>",
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"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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