|
|
|
Indonesian
troops suppress separatist celebration
|
ABC
AUSTRALIA
April
25, 2003
|
Indonesian troops suppress
separatist celebration
Indonesian troops and police have
arrested about 60 people to quell attempts to mark a separatist
anniversary in the eastern Maluku islands.
The detainees had either sewn or flown flags of the outlawed
Republic of South Maluku which were to be hoisted today.
The district military commander of Ambon island, Lieutenant
Colonel Yudi Zanibar, says many of the flags had been quietly
raised overnight on hilltops and trees.
Troops in the Maluku provincial capital Ambon have been searching
residents for weapons or flags.
A helicopter on Monday dropped leaflets over the city warning that
any attempt to celebrate the anniversary is banned.
An extra 400 police are being deployed in Ambon and Haruku island
to suppress any attempt to mark the anniversary of the 1950
proclamation of the republic.
25/04/2003
17:15:51 | ABC Radio Australia News
|
