One dead in flag incident

One dead in flag incident

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): At least one person died Thursday
morning when a group of Irianese in Sorong, about 670-kilometers
west of here, forcibly tried to hoist the separatist West Papua
Morning Star flag.

A local priest, Rev. Paul Tan, said a group of Irianese had
gathered in front of the Sorong Council building and attempted to
hoist the separatist flag up on ground's flagpole at 5:30 a.m.

As police came and stopped them a clash erupted, the priest
said.

Irian Jaya Deputy Police Chief Col. Ayub Sawaki confirmed the
incident, saying that about 75 Irianese carrying knives, swords
and spears were involved in the incident.

Despite several warnings the group refused to disperse,
forcing the police to take tough measures to stop them hoisting
the separatist flag on state property.

"Security personnel were able to prevent them from raising the
flag," Sawaki asserted.

The ensuing clash, he said, resulted in one being killed and
two others injured.

The dead was identified as Dani Yowen, 19, while the two
injured were Hironimus Imbir, 38, and Arnold Imbir, 60.

There was no immediate information on the cause of the death.
At least 10 people were detained by police. (34)