Unrest in Irian, one injured

Unrest in Irian, one injured

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: Unrest broke out here on Tuesday when
thousands of residents fought police troops following a dispute
over the lowering of the Morning Star separatist flags.

A local journalist reported that it was the crowd who sparked
the violence by burning passing vehicles.

An unidentified woman, about 40 years old, was injured when a
stray bullet from an officer's gun hit her. The police officers
had fired warning shots to disperse the mob.

Witnesses said the crowd became angry after some Mobile
Brigade (Brimob) police troops tried,in the morning, to lower the
Morning Star flags from several places.

The separatist flag is not banned in the province.

In protest of the police's move, local residents marched to
some government offices and blocked their gates.

The mob then proceeded to the local legislative council, where
Regent Mulyono was attending a hearing with local councilors.

The crowd besieged the council and prohibited the regent, the
speaker of the local legislative council Mandowen and other
legislators from leaving the convention room.

The captives were only released after Irian Jaya Police chief
Brig. Gen. SJ Wenas arrived later in the day. (48/sur)