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