Two injured as armed rebels attack police post in Waropen

Two injured as armed rebels attack police post in Waropen

R.K. Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura

Two civilians were injured after armed rebels attacked a
police post in the district of Waropen Atas, east of the Irian
Jaya capital of Jayapura on Friday.

Irian Jaya Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika
confirmed the incident saying that the two civilians were in a
very critical condition and were being treated at the district
community health center.

Pastika said that the attackers comprised ten people who
claimed to be members of the Papuan Liberation Front (TPN).

The attack began when local community leaders of Waropen were
meeting with local police officers to discuss rumors that the
rebels intended to attack police posts in remote areas.

"When the meeting was underway, ten people, six of them
carrying rifles, opened fire," Pastika said.

The police officers dispersed to enter the post, while two
locals who were standing in the grounds of the police post were
shot. Police did not identify the two.

Police intelligence reports said that the plan to attack
police posts in remote areas was part of a larger plan of the
rebels to draw worldwide attention to their cause before the
month of December.

The Papuan rebels usually hoist the Papuan Morning Star flag
to commemorate their self-proclaimed independence on Dec. 1.

"They just want to draw attention to their existence. I've
instructed all police officers to be more alert," Pastika said.

Irian Jaya authorities face a tough time ahead of Dec. 1, when
crowds of people are expected to gather for the Morning Star flag
hoisting ceremony.

The death of the chairman of the Papuan Presidium Council
Theys Hiyo Eluay on Sunday and his funeral, scheduled for
Saturday (today), is expected to trigger new rioting.

Hard-liners reportedly plan "to do something" on Dec. 1.