Former rebels return home

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Three men who fled with their families across to Papua New Guinea 10 years ago have returned to their home villages after disavowing their separatist cause.

The three families, comprising 15 people, reported to officials on the border and then proceeded towards the Ninati last weekend, the Antara news agency reported quoting Chief of the Merauke Social Political Office Alex Suyono.

The three men said they left their refugee camp in Unkim in Papua New Guinea without telling anyone, for fear that others might intimidate them into staying. They also said that life became unbearable at the refugee camp.(par)