Violence prevails in Aceh

Violence prevails in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Killing continues in the restive province of
Aceh despite the recent peace meeting between the Indonesian
government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Geneva.

On Tuesday two dead bodies with gunshot wounds were found in
the village of Blang Reun.

Police speculated that the bodies were of Ibrahim Adam and Ali
Idris, both members of GAM.

Meanwhile, a member of Bireun regency legislative council, Ali
Jauhari, has been missing since Monday, North Aceh Police chief
Adj. Sr. Comr. Wanto Sumardi accused separatist group members of
kidnapping Ali.

Also on Monday, a clash between the Indonesian military and
GAM in the district of Lageun in West Aceh resulted in the death
of one Indonesian soldier, military spokesman Maj. Edi Sulistiadi
said on Tuesday.

GAM spokesman Abu Tausi said that GAM was responsible for the
death of the Army member.

In East Aceh, another dead body was found in a ravine on
Monday.

Observers said that continuous violence in Aceh could hamper
peace efforts being made by the two warring sides.

The House of Representatives (DPR) proposed on Monday a draft
bill on special autonomy for the province of Aceh, which will
change its name to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province. (50/sur)