Shooting of KNPB activist leads to exchange of fire

Shooting of KNPB activist leads to exchange of fire

16 December 2012

The sound of gunfire could still be heard up to 11pm on 15 December in Wamena. The gunfire is believed to have followed the shooting of a leader of Komite Nasional Papua Barat, according a local citizen.

'On 10.25pm, there was an exchange of fire between the TPN-OPM (the military wing of the OPM) and the TNI/Polri , Indonesian army and police, somewhere between Misi Market and Sinakma, Yusodarso Road. The situation in Wamena was said to be tense and there were calls for help,' according to a local report.

A local resident, Jason confirmed reports of the sound of gunfire which was still continuing. It is alleged that this was in response to the shooting of Hubertus Mabel, an executive member of the commissariat of the KNPB - Komite Nasional West Papua - in Wamena.

According to reports received by JUBI, the security forces arrested the chairman of the KNPB, as well as Simion Daby, Meky Wallo Kogoya and Imma Mabel. who were arrested at the home of Meky Kogoya, who was suspected of being responsible for a bombing incident in Wamena.

A local resident named Vita also said that the local police station had been burned down in response to the shooting of Hubertus Mabel. According to Vita, 'Mabel and member of the KNPB was shot by the security forces as he was suspected of a bombing the Wamena, which led to the police station being burned down.'

The local police chief later confirmed that there had been an exchange of fire.

ENDS

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