Alleged Papua rebel shot dead

JAYAPURA, Papua: Police offices shot dead on Sunday evening an alleged member of Papua's rebel group, Toliniwamben Giri.

Toliniwamben, 59, was killed during police a raid in Kota Mulia Lama, the capital of Puncak Jaya regency, about 750 kilometers west of Jayapura. Police did not explain why he was shot.

The raid was carried out after police received a tip-off saying that a group of 11 rebels had been seen in the city.

Police arrested eight other people believed to be members of the separatist group, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Dodi Sumantyawan said. -- JP