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)