Two dead as rebels exchange fire

Two dead as rebels exchange fire

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Two people were killed and another
wounded when two rival groups of separatist rebels became
involved in a gunfight in Sktjow, Papua New Guinea, near the
border with Irian Jaya, a military source said on Wednesday.

The source said the incident took place last Friday, involving
supporters of Free Papua Organization (OPM) leaders Matias Wenda
and Terianus Yarum.

The deceased were identified as Simon Alom and Matias Kugoya,
who were wanted by Indonesian security personnel.

"We are not certain about the reason for the fight, but it
could be the result of a rivalry in the OPM," the officer, who
requested anonymity, said.

Quoting intelligence reports, he said Wenda escaped from a
prison in Papua New Guinea, where he was awaiting extradition to
Indonesia, and returned to his base in Irian Jaya to find Yarum
had taken over the leadership role.

Wenda and about 30 other people were arrested by Papua New
Guinea authorities last month for living in the country without
proper documents.

Meanwhile, the Jayapura District Court rejected the pleas of
five defendants, including independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay,
standing trial for treason. The session was adjourned until
Monday, at which time the court will hear testimony from
witnesses. (35)