LAKSAMANA.Net, December 2, 2003 11:48 PM
More Aceh Killings Ahead of GAM Anniversary
Laksamana.Net - The military says it has shot dead three separatist rebels and
seized weapons in a series of gunfights in Aceh, while the government has warned
that repressive measures may be taken to prevent celebrations of the Free Aceh
Movement's 33rd anniversary.
Provincial military spokesman Ahmad Yani Basuki said the latest incidents took
place on Monday (1/12/03) in four districts: Aceh Besar, Northwest Aceh, North Aceh
and Bireuen.
Troops are now in the seventh month of an offensive to crush the outlawed Free Aceh
Movement (GAM), which has been fighting for independence since 1976.
About 1,500 people have been killed since martial law was declared in the
resource-rich province on May 19, 2003.
Basuki said soldiers seized four firearms and a homemade bomb during Monday's
gunfights. "Dozen of ammunition and logistics supplies were also seized," he was
quoted as saying by state news agency Antara.
He added that six rebels, including a senior leader, have surrendered to the Army
since the martial law status was extended on November 19 for a further six months.
According to military data, more than 2,000 separatists have been arrested or
surrendered over the past seven months.
In related news, the government on Tuesday said state security forces are increasing
land, sea and air patrols to prevent GAM from celebrating the December 4 anniversary
of its establishment.
"The Aceh martial law administrator, the regional military operations commander and
the regional police chief are continuing to conduct integrated operations in anticipation
of possible commemorative actions on December 4," said Coordinating Minister for
Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
He said security forces were prepared to take repressive action, but added the
government had also cautioned the military and police against taking "excessive or
inappropriate measures".
Internal Refugees
Meanwhile, an official has said 6,402 people are still living in refugee camps in five
districts of Aceh.
Burhanuddin, spokesman of the Humanitarian Center at the Aceh Social Affairs
Office, said the displaced people were "reluctant" to return to their hometowns due to
security reasons.
He said there are now 3,925 refugees in South Aceh, 1,849 in East Aceh, 294 in
Southwest Aceh, 285 in Aceh Tamiang and 49 in Central Aceh.
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