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.