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)