Police arrest tribal leaders

Police arrest tribal leaders

JAYAPURA, Papua: The police arrested on Monday eight tribal
leaders for their suspected role in the latest clashes between
two tribes in nearby Timika district.

Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Paulus Waterpaw said the
eight were accused of provoking and participating in the
violence, despite peacemaking efforts facilitated by the local
government.

Paulus said tensions had subsided following the arrest of
Decky Murib, Yedinus Murib, Welius Tabuni, Welius Alom, Kogomang
Murib, Atinus Kogomal, Muli Kula and Paulus Umbrawaga.

Renewed clashes erupted over the weekend between Kwamki Lama
and Djayanti hamlets over a Rp 9 billion (US$1.01 million)
compensation unpaid to three Kwamki Lama families for relatives
who had died in a similar clash last month.

Police deployed a Mobile Brigade unit to restore order and
conduct an arms sweep. -- JP