Papuan village brawl blamed on rapes

TIMIKA: Rival gangs in Kwamki Lama village, Mimika Baru district, Mimika regency, Papua, clashed Monday, leaving at least six villagers with arrow wounds, police said.

The six are being treated at a local hospital. Two had been shot in the neck and the arm.

Mimika Police deputy chief Comr. Jermias Rontini said the brawl was sparked by the rape six months ago of a woman from the Upper Group.

The Lower Group, whose members were blamed for the rape, had paid Rp 200 million in compensation to the Upper Group, said Jermias, but in apparent retaliation members of the Upper Group raped one of women from the Lower Group.

The latter then demanded compensation of Rp 100 million from the Upper Group.

The Lower Group then attacked the Upper Group for failing to pay the money, Jermias said.

— JP