Separatist rebels foray for food

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Chief of the Irian Jaya Military Command Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintang said hunger has forced separatist rebels, who have been hiding in the hills, to approach villages in search for food, Antara reported.

The rebels did not realize that the villagers were also suffering from a food shortage as a result of the long drought. Lumintang made his comments after inspecting Korupan village, one of several villages suffering from a food shortage, in Jayawijaya recently.

He said many of the villagers welcomed the rebels as some of them were their own relatives.

He repeated the government statement that rebels wishing to return to a normal life and live peacefully in their hometowns would be welcomed and treated well.

"But they will face strong actions if they defy the authorities," he said.