Two dead as rebels exchange fire<\/p>\n
JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Two people were killed and another
\nwounded when two rival groups of separatist rebels became
\ninvolved in a gunfight in Sktjow, Papua New Guinea, near the
\nborder with Irian Jaya, a military source said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The source said the incident took place last Friday, involving
\nsupporters of Free Papua Organization (OPM) leaders Matias Wenda
\nand Terianus Yarum.<\/p>\n
The deceased were identified as Simon Alom and Matias Kugoya,
\nwho were wanted by Indonesian security personnel.<\/p>\n
\"We are not certain about the reason for the fight, but it
\ncould be the result of a rivalry in the OPM,\" the officer, who
\nrequested anonymity, said.<\/p>\n
Quoting intelligence reports, he said Wenda escaped from a
\nprison in Papua New Guinea, where he was awaiting extradition to
\nIndonesia, and returned to his base in Irian Jaya to find Yarum
\nhad taken over the leadership role.<\/p>\n
Wenda and about 30 other people were arrested by Papua New
\nGuinea authorities last month for living in the country without
\nproper documents.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Jayapura District Court rejected the pleas of
\nfive defendants, including independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay,
\nstanding trial for treason. The session was adjourned until
\nMonday, at which time the court will hear testimony from
\nwitnesses. (35)<\/p>",
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