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Police trace instigators of Timika clash
The Papua Police are on the hunt for the instigators of the communal clash in Timika that broke out on March 4, resulting in the deaths of seven people while 300 others have been left injured
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T
he Papua Police are on the hunt for the instigators of the communal clash in Timika that broke out on March 4, resulting in the deaths of seven people while 300 others have been left injured.
'It has been indicated that the communal clash was provoked. The clash stemmed from a border dispute in Jayanti village, which has actually been resolved,' said Papua Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw in Jayapura on Friday.
'Both groups have carried out the broken arrow ceremony, which means peace has been reached, but the clash recurred. Many parties with vested interests were involved in the clash.'
The Papua Police have sent a team to carry out peace efforts and Mobile Brigade (Brimob) members have been withdrawn as one of them was shot by an arrow. Police personnel have been positioned to prevent further clashes. Besides the seven victims killed in the clash, six homes and heavy machinery were razed by the mob.
'Police have questioned 12 people regarding the vandalism,' Paulus said.
Papua Peace Network coordinator Pastor Neles Tebay, who is also rector of the Fajar Timur Theological Institute in Jayapura, urged the local administration to actively seek a solution to end the prolonged communal clash.
'They must be proactive in gathering traditional leaders from both warring sides. The land dispute must be resolved. The war has caused residents to suffer. They have always faced violence and it should be stopped,' said Neles.
