Four policemen fired in Papua

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Four police officers from the Jayapura district police precinct in Irian Jaya have been dismissed for being absent for more than three consecutive months.

The fired police officers were identified only by their ranks and initials as Second Brig. Akbr, Second Brig. Es, First Brig. Mr and First Brig. Cv.

Jayapura district police chief Adj. Comr. Totok Kasmiarto, during a military ceremony here on Monday, said that the measure was taken to discipline the policemen and as a warning to others.

Totok declined to elaborate on the reasons for the sacking, but added: "If someone wants to be a policeman in Irian Jaya, he must be tough and never complain about the severe lack of facilities and rough conditions here."

About 1,000 police are stationed across the troubled province.

Totok said the number was enough to patrol the 13,000 kilometer-wide region but the lack of transport facilities and bad salaries had caused frustration among police officers. --JP