Security Deteriorates in Papua after Attack on Motorcyclists

Security Deteriorates in Papuan Village after Fatal Attack on Two Motorcyclists

September 4, 2012

The security situation in the Papuan village of Kwamki Lama in Mimika has reportedly deteriorated again on Tuesday, after two men who were mistakenly thought to be residents of Harapan kampong were fatally attacked while driving their motorcycles through a Amole, a rival kampong.

Seki Tabuni and Nius Tabuni, who came from the neighboring district of Kuala Kencana, were about to visit their relatives in Harapan kampong when they took a road directly through Amole kampong — the men were reportedly in drunken state.

They were soon attacked by Amole residents who, thinking the motorists were Harapan residents, pursued the men carrying bows, arrows, machetes and axes, according to Mimika Police official Comr. Albertus Andreana.

One of the motorcyclists was later found dead in a nearby jungle with over 20 arrows in his body, while the dead body of the other man was found in a house in Amole. The incident took place at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Albertus added.

Hundreds of police officers have been dispatched to Kwamki Lama and reportedly raided homes and seized dozens of sharp objects. The police are now guarding the village.

A group of men were also seen on guard along a section of a road in the village carrying bows and arrows, alarming ojek drivers and government officials that had to pass through the area, according to reports.

It is not clear yet whether police have made any arrest related to Tuesday’s fatal attack.

Residents of Harapan and Amole kampongs in Kwamki Lama have been repeatedly involved in tribal clashes, especially in the past few months, some of which have been fatal.

ENDS

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