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Police claim Wamena ‘conducive’ after 10 killed in riot
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Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D. Fakhiri speaks to reporters on the progress of security operation to release New Zealand pilot Philips Mehrtens on Feb. 14, 2024. (The Jakarta Post/Antara )
P
apua Police say that the turmoil in Wamena in the easternmost region of Papua has de-escalated, after 10 people were killed during a riot triggered by rumors that a child had been kidnapped.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius Fakhiri claimed that the situation had been brought “under control”, adding that a team of the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel had been dispatched to help restore security in the area.
"I have received a report saying that currently the situation in Wamena is gradually becoming more conducive. The Regional Leadership Communication Forum has taken joint steps to create a conducive situation and communicate with local community leaders,” Mathius said.
The riot started after locals, angered by rumors, started throwing rocks at Wamena Police station where a man accused of abducting a six-year-old was being detained. Police tried to mediate, Mathius said, but that failed to stem the violence and buildings were set ablaze in the area.
Security forces responded by opening fire to disperse the crowds, killing 10 and wounding 16 civilians and two members of the security forces. At least 13 residences were set on fire during the incident, Mathius added.
Mathius apologized and offered condolences for the deaths of the civilians.
“We will evaluate the steps taken by the police yesterday in the field. The developing situation took a turn and that led to an occurrence that we didn’t want to happen," Mathius said as quoted by Antara.
