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)