Missing soldiers found alive

Missing soldiers found alive

AMBON, Maluku: The three privates of Infantry Battalion 731,
who were reported missing last Saturday, were found alive on
Thursday morning.

Pattimura Military chief Brig. Gen. Mustopo said later in the
day that the three soldiers had been kidnapped.

"The three were found with their hands tied on a village on a
hill near the villages of Allang Assaude and Hatualang. Their
rifles were also with them," he said, adding that the three would
soon be transported to Ambon for further questioning on their
disappearance.

Mustopo said he had identified the kidnappers. "They are not
members of groups linked to Muslims."

He said that he had been careful in handling the kidnapping.
"We could have used our strength. We have enough weaponry and
personnel, but I didn't want to worsen the situation with more
people dead. I just called on the kidnappers to return the three
soldiers alive."

The three soldiers were among Army personnel deployed to quell
rioters attacking Allang Assaude village in West Seram
subdistrict, Central Maluku, at dawn last Sunday.

One private, Immanuel Huluk, and one rioter were killed in the
fray, while one villager was injured and at least 20 houses were
burned down. (49)