More bodies of 'massacre victims' recovered in Poso<\/p>\n
POSO, Central Sulawesi (JP): A fact-finding team investigating
\nthe recent sectarian riots here has recovered 19 more bodies in a
\nravine situated between Taipa and Bancea villages in South Pamona
\nsubdistrict, some 95 kilometers south of here.<\/p>\n
The corpses, believed to be victims of a massacre, were
\nreburied in nearby Lawanga village by the team members and local
\nresidents on Monday.<\/p>\n
One of the residents, Zaenuddin, told The Jakarta Post six of
\nthe bodies covered with blood, were found in a grave, while the
\nthirteen others scattered when discovered on Sunday.<\/p>\n
But none of the decomposed bodies could be identified,
\nZaenuddin added.<\/p>\n
Commander of the joint military-police operation code named
\nCinta Damai Lt. Col. Dede K. Atmawijaya said on Monday the team
\nhas now uncovered 309 bodies since the search began last month.<\/p>\n
Chief of Poso Police Precinct Supt. Jasman Baso Opu said the
\nfindings would provide evidence that the massacre took place
\nduring the conflict involving Christians and Muslims here.<\/p>\n
He said the fact-finding team and security officers expected
\nto discover dozens or even hundreds more bodies in other villages
\nin South Pamona subdistrict.<\/p>\n
The coordinator of the fact-finding team, Karman Karim, said
\nhis group was facing difficulties in searching for more
\ncasualties of the riots due to the rough and dangerous terrain.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of people were killed between May and August this
\nyear in the latest sectarian conflict to hit the regency.
\nThousands sought refuge following the riots.<\/p>\n
Karman maintained that reconciliation between the warring
\nparties in Poso could be established only after all victims were
\nfound.<\/p>\n
Reports said some villages in the regency were tense following
\nthe discovery of the bodies. A group of angry people reportedly
\nattacked and burned Boe, Tentena, Ampana and Kasiguncu villages
\nfor unknown reasons.<\/p>\n
Police on Saturday arrested suspected executioner of the
\nmassacre, identified only as Johanes, 43, at Poso bus station. Of
\n18 people implicated with the mass killing, four have now been
\ncaptured.<\/p>\n
Johanes is being detained at the provincial police prison in
\nthe Central Sulawesi capital of Palu. (09)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/more-bodies-of-massacre-victims-recovered-in-poso-1447893297",
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