Back To Action, OPM In Paniai Shoots Dead And Burns Civilian Vehicles

PANIAI - Free Papua Organization (OPM) or Armed Criminal Group (KKB) has again acted in Paniai Regency. This time KKB shot dead civilians with driver professions and set fire to the car and the driver.

Head of the Public Relations Task Force for the Cartenz-2024 Peace OPS, AKBP Bayu Suseno admitted that the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 11, at around 13.30 WIT in Timida Village, East Paniai District, Paniai Regency, Central Papua.

"The perpetrators of this shooting and arson are KKB Intan Jaya led by Undius Kogoya who has been committing criminal acts in Paniai Regency," said AKBP Bayu, in his statement Wednesday, June 12.

According to Bayu, the victim was a civilian who worked as a lane driver (a driver who used to transport basic necessities and building materials) named Rusli, (40). The victim is located at the terminal complex, Madi Village, East Paniai District, Paniai Regency.

"Based on the testimony from the witness, at 13.30 WIT, the people who came from the direction of Enarotali Village were going to Kopo Village, East Paniai District, saw a car on the side of the road and on fire and the driver fell in the car and heard gunshots," said Bayu.

"After that, a group of 10 KKB members were seen carrying long-barreled firearms outside the sewers on the outskirts of the road, so that people who saw the incident were afraid and immediately returned to Kampung Madi," he continued.

AKBP Bayu strongly suspects that the victim was shot first before finally being burned together with his car.

When members arrived at the scene, it was found that the victim had died while burning in the car. The victim's body has been successfully evacuated by the Cartenz-2024 Damai Ops Task Force and the Papua Police Battalion C Brimob to the Paniai Regional General Hospital (RSUD)," explained Bayu.

After processing the crime scene, the Damai Cartens Ops team assisted by the Papua Police Mobile Brigade immediately pursued the perpetrator, who was strongly suspected of escaping into the forest.

"We emphasize that the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operations Task Force will continue to take firm and measured law enforcement and action against the KKB, the perpetrator of this shooting and arson," concluded AKBP Dr. Bayu Suseno.