Nabire clash claims two more lives

NABIRE, Irian Jaya (JP): Two people who were shot in Monday's clash in Nabire died on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to three.

Sources at Sri Wini General Hospital identified the latest casualties as Maximus Bunay, 27, and Dapius Sani, 16.

The first victim killed in Monday's melee was Manase Erary, 28.

At least nine others, all aged between 17 and 35, were still being treated at the hospital for gunshot wounds received during the three days of unrest.

Meanwhile, a fresh clash erupted in Nabire when locals attacked a police station on Wednesday in protest of the death of Manase.

Nabire Police chief Lt. Col. Faisal AN said about 50 people attacked the barracks of the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob).

"They were armed with spears, arrows and other traditional weapons," he said.

The clash in Nabire broke out on Monday following a weapons sweep by the brigade on suspected supporters of the proindependence movement here.

Manase, a student at the local Public Administration Institute, was allegedly hit by a bullet when trying to calm the tense situation.

Locals said Manase was shot by police. Police have denied the accusation.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas also denied allegations that police fired at Manase.

He claimed on Wednesday that Manase was killed by the paramilitary Papua Task Force (Satgas Papua).

"It was a CIS bullet (a hunting bullet) from a handmade rifle which killed Manase. The bullet removed from the victim's head wound can be used as evidence," Wenas said.

Meanwhile in Jayapura, a group of Papuan leaders staged a protest demanding the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas Ham) investigate all rights abuses in the easternmost province.

The protesters marched to the Irian Jaya Police Headquarters in Jayapura to read a statement signed by 52 tribal leaders, youth leaders and women leaders from 13 regencies.

Evi Kobogau, who read the statement, said the commission should come to Irian Jaya to investigate the rights abuses, including past cases, such as in Mapnduma in 1996, Biak in July 1998, Sorong in July 1999, Manokwari in September 1999, Timika in December 1999, Merauke in February 2000 and the latest incident in Nabire.

"All the abuses were caused by violence and shootings by Indonesian Military members in response to the demand for West Papua independence," Evi said. (eba/edt/sur)