Human Rights Minister states 15 civilians died in shootout in Kembru

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated that 15 civilians were killed in a shootout between security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TNPPB) in Kembru village, Sinak district, Puncak regency, Central Papua, on Tuesday (14/4).

“A total of 15 people died in the attack in Kembru,” said Pigai during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights office in Kuningan, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

Pigai explained that the data on the number of civilian deaths was gathered from various sources, including local government, residents, and the injured victims of the shootout.

Pigai continued that this incident has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Human Rights because it resulted in civilian casualties.

Therefore, the Ministry of Human Rights is endeavouring to push for the case to be uncovered so that the public can know who the shooters are and what the motive was.

One of the efforts undertaken by Pigai and the Ministry of Human Rights is to take over the handling of this case. This step was taken by Pigai to enable the government to investigate the case transparently and fairly.

Thus, the results of the investigation conducted by the Ministry of Human Rights can be revealed to the public.

Pigai himself assessed that the local community should already know who the shooters are, since the incident occurred between morning and afternoon.

Therefore, Pigai requested that the parties who feel they are the perpetrators confess and undergo legal processes to achieve justice in Papua.

“The incident happened in the daytime; the perpetrators already know. That cannot be disputed. The perpetrators are known by the people; those who are victims know, those in the local community at the scene also know. So now, please, do not hide it; it must be opened up,” said Pigai.