Military probes Nipah incident

Military probes Nipah incident

SURABAYA: The Brawijaya Military Command is currently investigating six soldiers in connection with the shooting of villagers in Nipah on the Madura Island more than two years ago.

The command's chief, Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo said that the six might be brought before the military court if there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, Antara reported.

Although the military, which came under attack over the incident, had already admitted that there was a violation of procedures by soldiers in the Nipah incident, no one has been brought to trial so far.

"The investigation is continuing," Imam told reporters.

Four Nipah villagers were killed when troops opened fire on demonstrators who were protesting at a government team to measure land being appropriated for a reservoir. The land appropriation project has been canceled in the wake of the incident. (emb)