Probe on Jihad Force leader

Probe on Jihad Force leader

AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani said
on Monday that his office was currently gathering evidence and
statements from witnesses for the investigation of alleged
provocateurs in the strife-torn province.

"We'll then summon the alleged provocateurs for further
questioning, including the Laskar Jihad's Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah
(Jihad Force) chief Jafar Umar Thalib, probably this week,"
Firman said.

Jafar will be questioned for his provocative speech recorded
and broadcast over the radio here on Sept. 3.

Reports, however, said that Jafar has already left the island.

Firman said the civil emergency executor would ask for help
from authorities in Java, Jakarta or related cities to track
Jafar down if he tried to avoid the questioning.

"Remember that the summons is made by the civil emergency
executor, not only by the police," he said.

In an effort to maintain peace in the cooling-off period, a
fresh deployment of troops, including four battalions of the
police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob), will enter Maluku in the next
few weeks, Firman added. (49/edt)