Govt tightens grip ahead of GAM anniversary<\/p>\n
Nani Afrida and Tiarma Siboro
\nThe Jakarta Post\/Banda Aceh\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
Anticipating possible skirmishes during the 28th anniversary of
\nthe Aceh Free Movement (GAM) on Dec. 4, the civil emergency
\nadministration on Friday banned the populace from engaging in any
\nactivities related to the occasion.<\/p>\n
Acting administrator of the civil emergency, Insp. Gen.
\nBahrumsyah Kasman, ordered all private institutions, government
\nagencies, non-governmental organizations as well as the media to
\nignore the commemoration.<\/p>\n
\"All institutions are barred from discussing, producing,
\ndisseminating or broadcasting information related to the
\nanniversary of the separatist movement,\" Bahrumsyah said, adding
\nthat the public should also notify the security authorities over
\npossible breaches of the order.<\/p>\n
He also called on security personnel deployed in the strife-
\ntorn province to step up their vigilance.<\/p>\n
\"Security personnel are urged to take more initiatives in
\nresponding to developments and take all necessary actions in
\naccordance with existing regulations,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The civil emergency administration in Aceh has beefed up
\nsecurity measures in areas considered as GAM strongholds, such as
\nTanah Jambo Aye, Matangkuli, Sawang Langkahan and Nisam
\nsubdistricts.<\/p>\n
It also plans to deploy reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the
\nactivities of the separatist movement and launch airstrikes if
\nnecessary.<\/p>\n
Government-sponsored anti-separatist groups are also expected
\nto boost the drive by providing free medical services for
\nresidents in Nisam, Paya Bakong, Matangkuli and Lhokseumawe.<\/p>\n
The civil emergency administration issued the order based on
\nGovernment Regulation No. 2\/2004 on the extension of civil
\nemergency in the province.<\/p>\n
\"Violators of this order will be charged under the law on the
\nstate of emergency and\/or relevant regulations,\" Bachrumsyah
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Although not cowed by the order, GAM earlier appealed to
\nAcehnese to stay at their homes and halt all activities during
\nthe commemoration, citing people's safety as the main reason.<\/p>\n
\"The anniversary is a historical moment for all Acehnese and
\nwe (GAM) believe that all of us pay the same reverence to the
\nevent.<\/p>\n
\"And since the safety of all Acehnese is our concern, we ask
\nyou all to stay at home and stop your activities between 6 a.m.
\nand 12 midday, during which we (GAM) will hold the
\ncommemoration,\" Muzakkir said from GAM central command
\nheadquarters in the Tiro area.<\/p>\n
Muzakkir's statement was aimed at cautioning Acehnese with the
\nprospect of government's troops intensifying their operations to
\nprevent GAM-related activities throughout the territory where
\nJakarta has imposed state of emergency for the past one-and-half
\nyear to crush the secessionist movement.<\/p>\n
GAM has been fighting for independence since 1976. The
\nconflict has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people.<\/p>\n
The government launched a major operation to crush the rebels
\nin May last year, costing the state Rp 2.6 trillion (US$288.9
\nmillion).<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Military claimed to have killed 3,200 rebels
\nand captured 4,500 others during the operation.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-tightens-grip-ahead-of-gam-anniversary-1447893297",
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