The Bhayangkari members and policewomen are assisting in readying food and beverages for the displaced people, Vice Chairperson of Papua Police's Bhayangkari Pinta Yabous Marjuki noted in a press statement made available to ANTARA in Jayapura on Thursday.
Hasan, one of the refugees, expressed gratitude to the police and Bhayangkari members for their care, affirming that the refugees were also provided clothing in addition to food and beverages since their personal belongings and properties were burnt down and destroyed.
"We have no wealth anymore, as the local people, who ran amok, scorched all that we had several days ago," he affirmed, adding that the Indonesian military and police personnel are expected to restore law and order soon, so that Wamena may return to normalcy.
"Speaking on behalf of the refugees, we are keen to see Wamena secure again. We also support our police to take stern actions against the rioters in accordance with Indonesia's laws," Hasan was quoted as saying.
The lethal rioting erupted during a rally staged by native Papuan students in Wamena, the Jayawijaya District's capital city, on Sept 23.
A total of 30 people, including a medical doctor, got killed, while at least 77 others sustained injuries due to the riot that had also compelled several thousand residents, mostly non-native Papuans, to take refuge.
National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo stated that the masterminds behind this deadly riot are allegedly members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB).
Among the dead and wounded were non-native Papuans, whom the rioters, brandishing machetes and arrows, had assaulted.
During the day the violent rally took place, Commander of the 1702/Jayawijaya District Military Command Lt Col Candra Dianto stated that a gun battle had also broken out between the Indonesian security personnel and a group of armed separatists around the Pasar Baru area.
The armed rebels might have used three guns and rifles. Currently, 1,300 military and police personnel are stationed in Jayawijaya District. Related news: Traumatized doctors seek transfer from Wamena following mass murders
Related news: Deployment of two TNI aircraft to evacuate riot victims in Wamena
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Alfian R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
