Riot erupts after legislator misses flight

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: An airport in Irian Jaya remained closed on Tuesday because it was occupied by dozens of violent protesters after a local senior legislator missed his flight.

The riot erupted on Monday night with protesters burning tires on the runway of Wamena airport in Jayawijaya regency, sparking tension in the town.

At least two people were seriously injured when police fired shots at them.

Local human rights activist Aloysius Renwarin said one of the victims was the driver of Wamena's deputy legislative council speaker, Gerald Logowan.

Renwarin said the violence was sparked after Logowan missed a flight to Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya, on Monday evening.

The legislator had to return home because he had left something behind. However, when he arrived back at the airport, the plane had already taken off.

Incensed, he mobilized dozens of local youths to riot.

There was no report of arrests after the incident. --Antara