Aceh regent orders more raids on GAM

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Langsa

East Aceh Regent Azman Usmanuddin has ordered the local police and military to crack down on the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and capture its spokesman Tengku Ishak Daud to restore security and order in the regency.

"I have ordered local security authorities to raid the separatist movement's base in the regency and to capture its leader Ishak Daud, dead or alive," he told The Jakarta Post here on Thursday.

Azman was responding to Ishak who had ordered rebels to capture him and the chairman of the East Aceh Legislative Council whom GAM have accused of being responsible for the killing of 31 employees of oil palm plantation PT Bumi Flora in Idi Rayeuk, Perlak, last March.

He declined to comment on the tragedy, saying: "The case is being investigated by the National Commission of Human Rights. I won't give any comment until the investigation is completed."

He said separatist activities which were increasing in the regency must be halted to allow local people to live peacefully and the local development program to run smoothly.

Asked to comment on GAM's statement that councillor Ghazali Usman who was set free by GAM last Monday had resigned from the legislature, Azman said Ghazali was still a member of the legislative council.

"After his release, I did not hear any statement from Ghazali that he had quit his job. He is still a councillor and he has a right to receive his honorarium and allowances," he said.

Ghazali is a legislator of the local chapter of the United Development Party (PPP).

He said GAM had no authority to determine Ghazali's status as a councillor, except if he resigned voluntarily.

Ghazali was released on Monday after being held hostage by GAM for 98 days. He was suspected of being involved in the Idi Rayeuk tragedy.

Meanwhile, Yunus Usman, Ghazali's eldest brother, said that Ghazali along with his wife and their five children had left for Palembang in South Sumatra on Wednesday for medical treatment, at the request of his eldest son First Insp. Zahrul.

Besides being traumatized by his abduction ordeal, Ghazali needs intensive medical treatment, as he has suffered from hepatitis and gastric problems for a long time, Yunus said.

"Upon relatives' suggestion, Ghazali accepted his son's invitation to leave for Palembang to rest while undergoing medical treatment," he said.

Yunus declined to comment on the political issues behind Ghazali's abduction and release. "The most important thing is that he has been released, said Yunus."