GAM blames govt troops in torching of 80 shops in North Aceh
GAM blames govt troops in torching of 80 shops in North Aceh
Nani Farida and Ibnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh
Dozens of people were injured and more than 80 shophouses burned
in the latest outbreak of violence in Aceh.
The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman for the Pasee region,
Teungku Jamaika, said government security forces, particularly
the elite Mobile Brigade (Brimob) police unit, were responsible.
During the attack by unidentified gunmen in Keude Seuneddon,
North Aceh regency, 80 kilometers north of Lhokseumawe, the house
of a religious teacher and a Koran recital center were among the
83 shophouses destroyed.
Dozens of victims were taken to hospital for emergency
treatment.
Aceh police deputy chief Taufik S. refuted GAM's accusation.
"I assure you that the police did not burn the shops. A
certain group did it to discredit police," Taufik told The
Jakarta Post Tuesday.
The attack took place days after two Brimob officers -- second
brigadiers Warsito and Yudhi Purba -- were shot dead by GAM
separatists at a sidewalk shop in Keude Seuneddon, North Aceh.
Jamaika said police investigating the killings had raided
three areas, namely Simpang Jalan Seuneddon, Ulee Titi, and Lhok
Rambiden, but they did not find the attackers.
"Hundreds of people fled to safety because the police
mistreated them and started burning the buildings after failing
to find the gunmen. They even took 30 bicycles parked near the
shops," Jamaika said.
Jamaika admitted that GAM were responsible for Saturday's
shooting but said the police were shot because they looked like
robbers.
"The policemen did not wear uniforms but were carrying guns so
we must protect the people," he said, adding the gunmen used
weapons manufactured by Bandung-based weapons manufacturer PT
Pindad.
Warsito and Yudhi Purba were eating lunch at a coffee shop
near Seuneddon market, 300 kilometers east of Banda Aceh when two
GAM gunmen riding motorcycles shot the pair in the chest.
Warsito died at the scene while Yudhi, who attempted to get
help from the nearest security post, bled to death. The gunmen
also took Warsito's weapon.
Within five minutes, dozens of police had arrived. The
deceased, both from South Sumatra, were taken to the Lilawangsa
military hospital in Lhokseumawe while the search for the
attackers was launched.
Taufik denied GAM's accusation that police burned down the
shops as revenge for the death of their colleagues.
GAM has been fighting for independence from Jakarta since
1976. About 12,000 people, most civilians, have died.
This year alone, 800 people have been killed in the increasing
violence.