TNI investigators begin Maluku probe

TNI investigators begin Maluku probe

AMBON, Maluku: A fact-finding team from the Indonesian
Military (TNI) headquarters began a probe on Monday into recent
clashes involving civilians and an Army joint battalion.

The five-member team, led by Col. Hawas Muin, a military
police officer, arrived in Ambon on Saturday.

"We are now still in the phase of questioning witnesses and
victims of the June 14 incident," Hawas said, adding that an
independent legal team, coordinated by Mahendra Data, accompanied
the witnesses and victims during the questioning.

The TNI fact-finding team also planned to question members of
the joint battalion.

At least 20 people were killed in a series of clashes between
June 12 and June 14 in the Galunggung and Kebon Cengkih area
after military personnel had allegedly planned to raid a health
clinic run by the jihad force. (49)