Police raid separatist group outpost

The Paniai Police have confiscated a cache of weapons after searching a reported outpost of the Free Papuan Movement (OPM).

“We have garnered an OPM flag, 53 bullets, a firearm, a machete, three laptops, binoculars and bulk of documents belonging to the OPM, among other things,” National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Boy Rafli Amar said on Tuesday as quoted by tempo.co.

A police officer, Chief. Brig. Supono, was hospitalized after he was shot in the leg during the hours-long shootout between police and the OPM, Boy said.

OPM spokesman Leo Yeimo said that at least 20 people were injured during the raid, including OPM members, sympathizers and several civilians.

“The police all of the sudden burned down our houses. We didn't have much option other than to fight back,” he said. (dic)