Do not politicize the existence of the Indonesian military and police in Nduga, because the security personnel are also among the victims of the attackJayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Three people were injured, including a member of the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), in an exchange of fire between security forces and an armed group in Nduga, Papua Police Chief Insp. Gen Paulus Waterpauw confirmed here on Thursday.
Two civilians who were injured in the shooting on Wednesday (Feb 26) have been treated at Kenyam Hospital, while the wounded policeman was evacuated to Jakarta from Timika, Waterpauw said.
According to the police, the armed group had attacked a military post in Koteka village.
Waterpauw noted that the shooting has confirmed the authority's decision not to withdraw security personnel from the district.
The Indonesian Military and Police stationed its personnel in Nduga district following the assault against construction workers of state-owned construction firm PT Istaka Karya in December 2018 that killed 17 workers, while the fate of four other workers is still unclear.
The security personnel are guarding the construction of a bridge in the region, he said.
The workers are building a road that will provide access to the hilly area in Kali-Yigi-kali Urak in Nduga.
Responding to the demand to withdraw the security personnel, Waterpauw said, the armed group is still creating trouble in the region and attacking security personnel.
"Do not politicize the existence of the Indonesian military and police in Nduga, because the security personnel are also among the victims of the attack," he stressed.
(INE)
Related news: Former Papuan separatist hands over rifle to military
Related news: Indonesian soldiers bridge teacher shortage gap in Papua
Translator: Evarukdijati, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
