Weapons sweep in Aceh results in more violence

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Three people were killed Monday and nearly all Aceh regencies were paralyzed as residents stayed home for fear of massive conflicts between authorities and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels.

Cinta Meunasah Operation spokesman Sr. Comr. Kusbini Imbar said a soldier was killed in Beutong area of West Aceh on Monday when he tried to defuse a bomb allegedly planted by rebels.

On Sunday, two soldiers were killed and two others wounded in a similar type incident, he said.

Two rebels were killed in a firefight at Bagok, Julok district in East Aceh on Monday, Kusbini said further.

And another police officer, Second Sgt. Tohap Daniel Panjaitan, was shot dead in a gunfight with separatists at Blang Jereun in North Aceh, near an Exxon-Mobil pipeline.

Rebel attacks also took place at North Aceh Police Precinct and a security post on the outskirt of Lhokseumawe, but no casualties were reported, said North Aceh Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr Wanto Sumardi.

All towns in Aceh, except for the capital, Banda Aceh, were quiet as schools and offices took an unscheduled day off.

The fear was triggered by a police order to collect illegal weapons "in a move to restore law and order" by Jan. 15.

The gun sweeping operations will resume on Tuesday with active searches since almost no weapons were voluntarily returned in the 15-day period.

Public transportation was also halted and no vehicles passed the road linking Banda Aceh and Medan due to strong threats by gunmen roaming the area.

GAM leaders claimed that the attack was "for revenge".

"If security forces continue to sweep civilian villages looking for guns, we will step up attacks," North Aceh's GAM spokesman Abu Sofyan Daud said.

Unofficial records indicate that no less than 70 people have been killed in Aceh this year, including 11 police/military members and eight alleged rebels.

Meanwhile Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Monday the police would resume disarmament operations in the rebellious province of Aceh, on Tuesday.

"Our law says that having a weapon without any license is illegal," he said.

He promised the operation would be conducted persuasively. "Therefore, there is nothing to be worry about," Susilo said.

According to Susilo the joint forum between the government and GAM in Geneva from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10, has created a "professional understanding" on security and non-security matters.

"The government is reviewing the items that can be accepted and those that should be amended ...," Susilo said.

The minister met Louisa Chan Boegli and Marthin Griffits of the Henry Dunant Center at his office later on Monday to exchange views.

Henry Dunant is a Non-Governmental Organization that sponsored the meeting between the government and GAM.

Susilo informed that President Abdurrahman Wahid has decided to establish a National Commission on Aceh Solution after the Humanitarian Pause.

"This commission membership will comprise government and non- government elements. We will set up the structure and determine the priority of its duties, soon, Susilo said.

Separately, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf said the police have explained to the public in Aceh about the operations to collect illegal weapons.

"To Acehnese who do not obey the law, we will treat just like other citizens ... The Police are allowed to take stern actions with them. If they were against us, we will retaliate against them," Saleh said. (50/51/02/edt)