Latest violence in Aceh claims eight more lives

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The latest violence in restive Aceh province claimed eight more lives over the past three days, including four alleged members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebel group, police and activists said on Monday.

East Aceh Police Precinct chief Supt. Abdullah Hayati said the four alleged rebels were shot in a gunfight in Payabili village, Bireum Bayeun district on Sunday afternoon.

"They were part of a gang that ambushed patrolling security officers," Abdullah said.

Head of the Red Cross office in Pidie, Sanusi A. Wahab, confirmed on Monday the discovery of two decomposed bodies bearing gunshot wounds in a ravine near a recreational resort.

Sanusi said local residents had taken the bodies to nearby Pule village in Batee district.

Separately, People's Crisis Center (PCC) activist Muhammad Jufri said two civilians who had just returned from a refugee camp in the Julok Mosque compound, were found dead in Alue Dua Idi Rayeuk and Kuala Geulumpang villages. Both bodies bore severe wounds.

Jufri said prior to the discoveries a group of men in military camouflage uniforms had conducted an operation against GAM rebels in all villages across Julok district. "They also attacked eight Naleueng villagers," he added.

Two other bodies were discovered on Sunday. Meunasah Blang Bireuen villagers in North Aceh, found the body of an alleged Army deserter identified as Junaidi bearing stab wounds. The other corpse, which was unidentified, was discovered in Gle Judah village, Leupueng district, in Aceh Besar regency.

In Bireuen, an overnight arson attack razed the Murni Hotel that houses the District Court, the Red Cross office, the Ulemas Council office, the Inspectorate office, the City Social Affairs agency and the Society Development office.

Another arson attack occurred in Langsa, East Aceh, when a group of unidentified men set fire to a passing truck containing musical instruments.

No fatalities were reported in the fires.

Separately, Pidie Police Precinct chief Supt. Heru Budi Ersanto said on Monday the police arrested a woman identified as Zuhra bin Mahmud for allegedly mobilizing hundreds of women living in Tiro district on Saturday.

"She is a member of GAM's women forces called Inong Balee. We will interrogate her," Heru said.

In Tiro district, tension remained high following the arson attack last week on Ulee Gle market, allegedly instigated by police, in which 65 shops were razed. Police have denied the allegations.

Many residents have fled to the forest or nearby villages to flee police crackdowns on rebels in the hometown of GAM leader Hasan Tiro. (50/lup)