"Based on information from witnesses, they claimed to be students. They are relatively young," he added.
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Marlianto has called on Timika residents to be fully aware of the group's nefarious attempts.
The group has spread rumors about security personnel distributing poisoned food to Papuans in Timika, according to Marlianto.
It also intimidated some Papuans school students in Limau Asri Village and Kwamki Narama District with messages on their mobile phones.
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The group provoked students to set fire to some buildings in Timika including vital and strategic installations, shops, and kiosks, he said.
The Mimika Police has positioned its personnel in some schools, especially those with majority Papuans students in anticipation of any unwanted incidents.
"We have also deployed Community and Society Development Unit (Binmas) personnel to counsel students from being provoked by the irresponsible group," he said.
Related news: Police puts Wamena riot death toll at 23
Nearly 23 people died and a dozen others sustained injuries when a violent rally erupted in Wamena, Jayawijaya District’s capital city, Papua on Monday, September 23.
The violence might have been fueled by rumors spread through social media platforms that angered residents, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja said while speaking in connection with the rioting.
The riot was instigated by rumors about a teacher's racist slur against native Papuan students, according to several local media reports. (INE)
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Translator: Evarianus Supar, Sri Haryati
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
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