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PNG police warn West Papua rebels
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Posted on Jan 17 2001
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PINA Nius) — Deputy Police Commissioner Sam Inguba said the police force would ensure no illegal West Papuan rebel activities were conducted on Papua New Guinea’s side of the border.
Mr. Inguba said they had not received a request from the Indonesian government asking them to help remove OPM (Free Papua Movement) rebels. But he said they would ensure OPM activities were not conducted on Papua New Guinea’s side of the border
However, he said before they dealt with this they would sort out the 326 border crossers, who have fled increasing violence in Indonesian-ruled West Papua as the Indonesians crack down on the independence movement.
Mr. Inguba said these people were moved to make shift tents closer to the border yesterday.
He said their status would then be confirmed.
Mr. Inguba said after this police would deal with illegal OPM activities on Papua New Guinea soil.
He said people who were conducting illegal activities would be arrested and charged and would go through the normal police procedures.
Mr. Inguba said after normal legal procedures the border crossers would then be handed over to the Indonesian authorities.
He said Cabinet had already approved a call out situation. However, he said there was no need for one at this stage. Mr Inguba said the border issue was more a humanitarian matter.
He said the Defense Force was usually called out during a major law and order situation.
