The joint patrols aimed at checking the circulation of illegal weapons in the community would continue.Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Iskandar Muda regional military troops will team up with the Aceh regional police to head patrols and conduct raids to recover illegal firearms in the Aceh Province, regional military Commander Major General Zahari Siregar said on Friday.
Regional military spokesperson Colonel Subagio Irianto said Commander Siregar had expressed an interest in the Indonesian Military (TNI) conducting joint raids and patrols with the police during several meetings with his troops.
He added that the joint patrols aimed at checking the circulation of illegal weapons in the community would continue.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Helsinki on August 15, 2005 had initiated the peace process in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.
However, the use of firearms to commit crimes, which often result in death, is still prevalent in several areas of Aceh. At least 11 people have died because of anonymous firing in 2011 alone.
The TNI and the regional police are committed to fighting the menace of illegal weapons circulation, as well as that of narcotics and drugs in Aceh.
Commander Siregar has also asked his troops to strengthen cooperation and solidarity with the regional police to help secure the province.
He also urged the people of Aceh to celebrate Indonesia`s Independence Day by hoisting the national flag at their houses, private and state-owned offices and in public places.(Uu.F013/INE/B003/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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