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)