More bodies of 'massacre victims' recovered in Poso

More bodies of 'massacre victims' recovered in Poso

POSO, Central Sulawesi (JP): A fact-finding team investigating
the recent sectarian riots here has recovered 19 more bodies in a
ravine situated between Taipa and Bancea villages in South Pamona
subdistrict, some 95 kilometers south of here.

The corpses, believed to be victims of a massacre, were
reburied in nearby Lawanga village by the team members and local
residents on Monday.

One of the residents, Zaenuddin, told The Jakarta Post six of
the bodies covered with blood, were found in a grave, while the
thirteen others scattered when discovered on Sunday.

But none of the decomposed bodies could be identified,
Zaenuddin added.

Commander of the joint military-police operation code named
Cinta Damai Lt. Col. Dede K. Atmawijaya said on Monday the team
has now uncovered 309 bodies since the search began last month.

Chief of Poso Police Precinct Supt. Jasman Baso Opu said the
findings would provide evidence that the massacre took place
during the conflict involving Christians and Muslims here.

He said the fact-finding team and security officers expected
to discover dozens or even hundreds more bodies in other villages
in South Pamona subdistrict.

The coordinator of the fact-finding team, Karman Karim, said
his group was facing difficulties in searching for more
casualties of the riots due to the rough and dangerous terrain.

Hundreds of people were killed between May and August this
year in the latest sectarian conflict to hit the regency.
Thousands sought refuge following the riots.

Karman maintained that reconciliation between the warring
parties in Poso could be established only after all victims were
found.

Reports said some villages in the regency were tense following
the discovery of the bodies. A group of angry people reportedly
attacked and burned Boe, Tentena, Ampana and Kasiguncu villages
for unknown reasons.

Police on Saturday arrested suspected executioner of the
massacre, identified only as Johanes, 43, at Poso bus station. Of
18 people implicated with the mass killing, four have now been
captured.

Johanes is being detained at the provincial police prison in
the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu. (09)