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)