Separatist rebel shot dead

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Troops in the Rajawali I and II task forces on Thursday clashed with a separatist rebel group in the Alama village on the border of Jayawijaya and Paniai regencies.

Antara quoted local military spokesman Lt. Col. Maulud Hidayat as saying that one rebel had been shot dead. The troops, led by Second Sgt. Nasep, also seized a rifle and 11 bullets from the group.

The rebels were supporters of Kelly Kwalik who early this year led the abduction of a group of Indonesian and European scientists. (swe)