NGO demands probe into Ngabang shooting

JAKARTA (JP): The Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) yesterday demanded an investigation into the shooting of West Kalimantan demonstrators on Sunday.

One protester was killed and four were injured in the incident, according to the local military's account.

In an open letter to the Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, ELSAM demanded stern action be taken against the soldiers involved in the shooting.

"Those who allegedly kidnapped and tortured the civilian, which sparked the protest, must be brought to court," ELSAM executive director Abdul Hakim G. Nusantara said in the letter, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post.

The incident in Ngabang was sparked by the alleged abduction and torture of a resident named Jining last week by 10 ABRI soldiers following a minor road accident.

About 2,000 angry residents stormed into the streets upon hearing a rumor that Jining had died in the hands of his abductors.

According to regional military chief Maj. Gen. Namoeri Anom, troops acted in self-defense after the mob attacked the Ngabang military headquarters.

According to ELSAM, the soldiers opened fire on the demonstrators before they reached the headquarters, killing a protester identified as Paku, 58.

ELSAM said the Ngabang soldiers had blatantly abused their power, and had violated a UN convention on code of ethics for law enforcers and one on the use of violence and firearms by law enforcers. (pan)