Sixteen Irian rebels surrender

Sixteen Irian rebels surrender

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Sixteen separatist rebels came out of
their jungle hideout last week to surrender to the Army in
Mindiptana, which borders Papua New Guinea, the military
announced yesterday.

They surrendered their guns to an infantry post in Mindiptana,
regional military spokesman Lt. Col. Maulud Hidayat told Antara.

The military said the rebels had surrendered after seeing the
results of development in their villages, which they had left
many years ago.

On May 21, 56 Free Papua Movement rebels under Willem Onde
surrendered to the military in the same area. They surrendered 46
rifles.

Hidayat said the authorities expected more rebels to
surrender. (pan)