Police Suspect Armed Group Behind DPRD Hall Shooting That Killed One Man in Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -  An armed criminal group allegedly opened fire on residents who were exercising in the Deiyai DPRD hall, Papua, June 26. The attack killed one resident.

"It is true that on Sunday evening there was a shooting that killed a resident who was playing badminton," Papua Police Chief Insp. Gen. Mathius Fakhiri said in Jayapura, Monday, June 27.

Mathius said the police could not confirm which armed group was responsible for the shooting. In the area, there are two armed groups that always disturbed citizens' safety: the Paniai Group and the Intan Jaya Group, in addition to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

"Currently a team from the Cartenz Peace Task Force has arrived at the crime scene to investigate the case," he said.

The armed group reportedly shot at residents who were exercising in the Deiyai DPRD hall in Wagete at around 21:30. One resident, Enal (33) was killed.

According to witness statements, three people entered the hall and one of them was carrying a long-barreled weapon.

Enal's body was then taken to Madi Hospital, Paniai Regency, and will be sent to his hometown Makassar today to receive proper burial.  

Sebby Sambom, spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) could not confirm that the shooting was the work of his group. "We have not received a confirmation report," he said in a statement.

M. FAIZ ZAKI

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