Defectors released

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)