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)