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Police to safeguard churches in Mimika on NYE
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In this file photo, hundreds of civilians leave Banti and Kimbeli villages in Tembagapura, Mimika, Papua, on Nov. 17, 2017 under a tight escort of police and military personnel. A joint team comprising Indonesian Military and National Police personnel, at that time, gained control of the two villages, which were reportedly occupied by armed separatists for about three weeks. (Courtesy of the Papua Police/File)
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s many as 350 police and military personnel will be deployed to ensure security during New Year celebrations in Mimika, a regency in Papua that has seen a string of violence and shooting incidents in recent months.
Mimika Police operational unit head Comr. Toni Upuya said the personnel would focus on safeguarding churches across the regency, particularly those expected to host a large congregation, such as the Tiga Raja, Marten Luther Sempan, Ebenheaser and Torsina churches.
"We are ready to ensure security during the New Year's Eve celebrations," Toni said on Sunday as quoted by Antara.
Police personnel would also be deployed in numerous places where many people are expected to gather for the festivities, such as Timika Indah public space and Timika shopping mall.
“I suggest that people celebrate New Year's Eve modestly," Toni added.
Violence had escalated in Mimika's Tembagapura district, particularly in the area around the PT Freeport Indonesia mine, between August and November, with at least 11 shootings by unidentified gunmen having been reported. (vla/ipa)
