Steady exodus from C. Aceh continues

Steady exodus from C. Aceh continues

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): There remained a steady exodus of
people from Central Aceh to coastal areas in the province as
concerns rose following a warning from the Free Aceh Movement
(GAM) separatist group that they would step up attacks against
security personnel in the region.

Reportedly, many trucks carrying household furnishings were
moving from Central Aceh to North Aceh, Pidie regency and the
provincial capital of Banda Aceh.

Central Aceh administration secretary Ibnu Hajar admitted that
thousands had left their homes in the regency for coastal areas
in the province.

Banda Aceh Police spokesman Comr. Sudharsono told the media in
Banda Aceh on Tuesday that police were ready to safeguard the
transport of passengers and goods, including fuel, to Central
Aceh.

Central Aceh has a population of about 250,000, some 40
percent of which are migrants from Java.

As a result of the growing tension, Central Aceh has seen
increasing shortages in food as those operating transport
vehicles have been reluctant to ply the Bireuen-Central Aceh
route.

The scarcity of fuel and basic necessities have seen prices
soar in the regency.

The tension in the area has been aggravated by Central Aceh
GAM spokesman Wien Rimba Raya's statement on Monday that
separatist rebels will step up attacks on military and police
installations in the area.

He urged local communities to temporarily move from the area
to prevent casualties.

Violence in Central Aceh in the past month has claimed at
least 100 lives including security personnel, alleged rebels and
civilians.

Military spokesman for Lhokseumawe Lt. Col. Firdaus claimed
that at least 20 alleged rebels have been killed in clashes
between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and GAM in Central Aceh in
the past month.

Most of the other victims he insisted were civilians killed by
the rebels.

Separately, at least five fatalities were reported in an
exchange of fire in Panca village, Seulimun subdistrict, Aceh
Besar, about 50 kilometers from Banda Aceh on Monday afternoon.

According to Comr. Sudharsono, all five were GAM members. (50)