Reports that six civilians were killed and injured in the incident are untrue. We can confirm that three people were killed, two of them were civilians and one was an army soldier
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Two civilians and an army soldier were killed in a protest that turned violent in Deiyai District, Papua, Wednesday, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf Rodja said. "Reports that six civilians were killed and injured in the incident are untrue. We can confirm that three people were killed, two of them were civilians and one was an army soldier," Rodja said when contacted here Wednesday.

The riot erupted when nearly one hundred people were staging a protest in front of the Deiyai District office. Suddenly, another 1,000 people appeared at the scene and some of them tried to attack the security personnel.

The mobs attacked a car, killing an army man, Second Sergeant Rikson with a machete and an arrow. They also seized 10 assault rifles SS 1 and some ammunition.

After grabbing the military rifles, they opened fire on security personnel who were controlling the protestors and the subsequent exchange of fire was unavoidable, Rodja said.

Five military and police personnel were injured in the incident. All the victims were quickly evacuated to Enarotali Hospital and the situation is now under control, he added. (INE)

EDITED BY INE

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Translator: Evarukdijati, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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