Is this GAM's tactic?
Is this GAM's tactic?
From Koran Tempo
The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Indonesian
government and Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM) inked in Geneva on
Dec. 9, 2002 has yet to bring about the desired results as there
have been violations of the agreement by both sides -- the
Indonesian police/military and GAM.
However, according to media reports, most violations of the
agreement have been perpetrated by GAM. It is doubtful that GAM
is serious about ending hostilities with the Indonesian
government and it is highly likely that GAM is using the
agreement as a tactic. There have been indications that GAM is
not serious about ending the conflict. For examples GAM has not
submitted any of their weapons during the process of
demilitarization. GAM is reported to have forcibly imposed
tax/levies on businessmen, attacked police/military officers and
kidnapped 57 sub-district heads.
Therefore, the Indonesian government and security officers
should be more careful in dealing with GAM because they do not
seem to honor the agreement they have signed. They will make use
of our lax attitude to launch their political campaign and to
reinforce themselves militarily.
ADI PRATONDO, Jakarta