Three Papuan separatists nabbed

JAYAPURA, Papua: Security personnel arrested three alleged Papuan separatists during a raid recently in Sarmy regency, some 150 kilometers west of Jayapura, a senior military officer said on Wednesday.

The arrest took place on Friday last week, when Indonesian military (TNI) personnel raided a group of 24 alleged Papuan separatists in a kampong in a remote Sarmi village, said chief of Jayapura resort military command Col. Asis Wanto. Twenty one separatist fled the scene, and the security personnel captured the rest, said Col. Asis.

"The three people surrendered voluntarily. Not a single shot was fired during the incident," said Asis.

According to Asis, after investigation, the group of Papuan rebels were believed to have been responsible for an assault four years ago in Jayapura that left four soldiers of the Special Forces Command (Kopassus) dead. For the time being, the three are being charged with possession of firearms that could land them in jail for 20 years, said chief of Jayapura police Adj. Sr. Comr. Robert Djoenso. -- JP