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)