Aceh military ready to help rights body

Aceh military ready to help rights body

BANDA ACEH: Maj. Gen. M. Djali Yusuf, chief of the Iskandar
Muda Military Command overseeing security in Aceh, said on
Saturday that the military was ready to accompany the National
Commission of Human Rights' inquiry team to investigate the fatal
shooting of employees of PT Bumi Flora in Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh.

"We're ready to help if the team asks for several personnel to
accompany them in their investigation," he said.

The team, led by B.N. Marbun, has questioned 19 witnesses but
it has yet to reach a conclusion on who should be held
responsible for the mass killing.

The tragedy occurred when unidentified gunmen shot dead 31
employees on their way to the oil palm plantation in Alue Rambot
village on Aug. 9, 2001.

Risman A. Rachman, the coordinator of human rights
organizations in Aceh, called on the team to complete their
investigation into the murders to bring justice to local people.

"Many people have been disappointed with the government for
the absence of a thorough investigation into the case," he said.
--Antara