Residents report spat with military

SERUI, Irian Jaya (JP): Residents reported to councilors on Wednesday alleged beatings by military personnel in Yapen Waropen regency.

Three people told council speaker J.Mansai that military members entered their homes on Tuesday night and beat inhabitants indiscriminately. A five-year-old was also kicked, according to spokesman K. Utoi.

Military personnel, some brandishing sharp weapons, ransacked the homes and trashed food, local Cendrawasih Post daily reported on Thursday.

The alleged ransacking grew out of a fight in Kampung Harapan in Yapen Waropen, an island about 300 kilometers west of Jayapura. A drunk man allegedly struck randomly at a member of the Armed Forces (ABRI).

In retaliation, the ABRI member and colleagues went to the man's home and assaulted residents. The man was not at home.

"We ask that Kampung Harapan not be guarded by ABRI," Utoi said. "If they only hurt the people, they had better be moved out. Residents feel insecure as they have no weapons."

Local military chief of staff Maj. Inf. Belyuni said the case was settled and that both sides had extended their apologies.

Soldiers had not meant to hurt the people but merely lost control. "We will work on moving out part of the soldiers out of Kampung Harapan," Belyuni said.

Most troops have been pulled out of the province, a site of separatist activity, authorities have said. (34)