Residents report spat with military

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)