Defectors released

Sat, 10 Feb 1996

Defectors released

BANDUNG: The Siliwangi regional military command has released from custody 16 people suspected of involvement with a secessionist movement, Antara reported yesterday.

Chief of the military command Maj. Gen. Tayo Tarmadi said there was not enough evidence to back up the suspicion that they were part of a group intent on establishing a so-called Indonesian Islamic State.

"I'm sure that there's no reason to be suspicious of them," he said. "Yes, they went astray for a while, and now we have to show them the right path."

"They were nothing, they haven't reached the stage where they threaten stability," he said.

Saying that the military's vigilance shall not slacken off, Tayo called on local ulemas and community leaders to forgive them. (swe)

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