Irianese forbidden to hoist "Morning Star"

Irianese forbidden to hoist "Morning Star"

FAKFAK, Irian Jaya: Police publicly banned on Wednesday the
hoisting of Papua's Morning Star flag in Fakfak regency, saying
that such action could trigger further disturbances.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas said the ban was
in response to fears by local residents that hoisting ceremonies
for the Morning Star flag could create unrest.

He added that the police would take any necessary action to
prevent the public from hosting the flag and wearing outfits
espousing Papuan independence.

The aspiration to establish a Free Papua was initially aired
by Papuans in Sorong, Manokwari, Biak and Nabire.

"Fakfak residents are just imitating them," Wenas said as
quoted by Antara.

He claimed that the aspiration for an independent Papua was
mainly due to the unjust treatment the indigenous people had
received during the New Order era, but the plan to establish a
separate country was going too far, as all Indonesians had to
endure such unjust treatment in the past, not only the Papuans.
(lup)