ABRI rejects death toll reports

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Trikora Regional Military Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring has denied reports that as many as 112 people died when security forces quelled a separatist demonstration in Biak last month.

"There's little chance of that (the number of deaths) happening since the number of people who were flying the West Papua flag from July 2 to July 7 was only about 150 people," he was quoted by Antara as saying here Wednesday.

He claimed that only one person, Ruben Urboy, died and that two others were still missing.

A spate of pro-independence demonstrations broke out in several cities of Indonesia's easternmost province during the first week of July. Attempts to quell the rallies resulted in clashes and reports of several dead.

Activists claim that the number of dead was much higher than that admitted by the Armed Forces (ABRI). It has even been suggested that the bodies of the dead were thrown out to sea.

Amir categorically denied the allegations yesterday, asserting that the 28 bodies found washed ashore on Biak beach last month were victims of the massive tsunami which hit neighboring Papua New Guinea (PNG) on July 17.

"The evidence and physical characteristics, like tattoos on their faces and bodies, indicate they were PNG citizens," he said. (01)