JAYAPURA (Pacific Scoop / Pacific Media Watch): Indonesian military forces have fired on participants of the Papuan Peoples’ Congress in Jayapura, according to a statement from West Papua Media last night.
The report said “credible sources on the ground” had confirmed that at 3:30pm soldiers opened fire on the pro-independence gathering, held at a field in Padang Bulan, Abepura.
The report says casualties had been reported, but that numbers had not been confirmed.
Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch told the Jakarta Globe that he received a report of at least one person killed.
Regional Military Commander Major General Erfi Triassunu confirmed the reports of shooting to the Globe, but claimed the shots were only a warning.
He denied there were any casualties.
The warning shots were fired in response to an alleged announcement by the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) declaring the territory “independent” from Indonesia, Erfi said.
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Pacific Media Watch
