GAM executes PDI-P executive

GAM executes PDI-P executive

Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh

Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan) in North Aceh, Said Rafiq Maulana, was shot dead
at a checkpoint mounted by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, the
military said on Friday.

Local military spokesman Maj. Zaenal Muttaqin said Rafiq, 38,
who chaired the local chapter of the National Entrepreneurs'
Association, was shot in Peudawa Panjou village, Idie Rayeuk
district in East Aceh on his way to North Aceh's main city of
Lhokseumawe.

Rafiq was driving with his brothers, Rizal and Said Jamalus,
when they came to a checkpoint manned by armed GAM members on a
section of the main road linking Banda Aceh and Medan just after
Friday prayer.

"There were many vehicles stopped, including a truck which had
already been set on fire," Rizal said as quoted by Zainal.

Rizal added that Rafiq refused to stop the car, prompting the
rebels to open fire. One of the bullets struck Rafiq.

Jamalus jumped in the driving seat to take over from the
injured Rafiq and sped off to the military hospital in
Lhokseumawe. Doctors failed to save Rafiq, who died of heavy
blood loss.

GAM spokesman Ishak Daud told The Jakarta Post that he could
not confirm the killing, saying he was awaiting the details from
his men in the field.

Zainal said a clash between Indonesian Military (TNI) troops
and GAM had preceded the incident.

He said the military had killed a GAM member, identified as
Ismail, and seized an AK-47 automatic rifle, a radio
communication device and dozens of rounds ammunitions.