19 killed in Papua clash
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 08/01/2011 8:14 PM
The National Police said Monday that a clash between two local groups in
Puncak regency, Papua, throughout Saturday and Sunday had killed 19 people, two
more than the previous report.
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam said the clash began
when Simon Alom candidacy as regent was rejected by the Regional General
Elections Commission (KPUD) on Saturday after Puncak Legislative Council
Speaker Thomas Tabuni withdrew his support.
“Simon supporters were angry and attacked
Thomas supporters,” he said as quoted by kompas.com.
Police officers attempted to stop the clash, but both groups ignored the
officers and kept fighting using arrows and stones, he added.
However, he said the situation on Monday was under control. Police have sent
a platoon to monitor the clash location.
