C. Aceh roads opened amid 'jihad'

Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh

Despite allegations infamous pro-Jakarta militia Laskar Jihad are waging a "holy war" against pro-independence forces in Central Aceh, public transportation services resumed on Monday to ease the regency's isolation.

With the help of heavily armed Indonesian security forces, a number of buses and trucks traveled in and out of the regency's capital of Takengon, carrying passengers and commodities to markets in Banda Aceh, the capital of the war-torn province, and strategically important Lhokseumawe in North Aceh.

The Joint Security Committee (JSC) monitoring a shaky truce between the TNI and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists were forced to abandon their presence in Central Aceh after their office was attacked by a pro-Jakarta mob, including members of Laskar Jihad, on March 3.

Two JSC staff were injured in the attack, blamed on the JSC's inability to halt extortion and violence committed by GAM.

On March 15, four people were killed and 11 cars and buses set on fire in Burlintang district. The attacks were blamed on the militia, who some believe are linked to the TNI, and are said to be responsible for religious violence throughout Indonesia.

Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Eddy Fernandy, speaking in Banda Aceh, said Central Aceh's isolation had already been eased following the deployment of TNI and police personnel to the regency to enhance security along the highway linking Takengon and Banda Aceh.

"With the deployment of security personnel, the road connecting the two towns is expected to be safe for the passage of people and goods."

He said about 600 military personnel were in the regency helping hundreds of armed police restore security.

Raihan, a Banda Aceh resident who has just returned from Takengon, concurred but said many people in rural areas in the regency were living in fear of the militia, who claimed to be waging jihad against fellow Muslims GAM in the province.

"Many people are still reluctant to leave their villages because of the absence of security personnel. But the situation in Takengon itself has returned to normal and there are no more mass demonstrations like we have seen in the last two weeks."

Raihan called on authorities to improve security, particularly in rural areas and roads to ensure safe passage in and out of the area.

About 30 people who had fled their villages were seeking refuge in a mosque in Takengon following intimidation by the militiamen who say GAM are behind the violence. Internally displaced people are now thought to number at least 500.

Burhan, not his real name, said he sought refuge after militiamen asked him to hand over his younger brother, a member of GAM, to the TNI.

"The militiamen, who call themselves members of Laskar Jihad, have terrorized villagers not to support GAM because besides fighting for Aceh's separation from Indonesia, they still extort the people," he said.