A Resident Dies Of Gunshot Wounds When Police Disperse Anarchist Masses At The Paniai Regent's Office, This Is The Explanation Of The Papuan Police Chief

Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri. ANTARA/Evarukdijati

JAYAPURA - A number of personnel from the Paniai Resort Police, Papua, forcibly dispersed an anarchist crowd at the Paniai Regent's office in Enarotali by firing warning shots and tear gas.

"There is a report that a resident died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, namely Donatus Nawipa," said Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri in Jayapura as reported by Antara, Tuesday, July 5.

In addition, he said, it was also reported that a resident named Alpius Giay had an injury to his right thigh.

The incident began during preparations for the village head election at the Paniai Regent's Office which began at 08.00 WIT.

Many community members came to the election site and intervened with the Village Consultative Body regarding the distribution of logistics, causing a riot at 11.45 WIT. The mob stormed into the Paniai Regent's office.

Because the mass action became increasingly anarchic and caused property damage, members of the Paniai Police Station who came tried to disperse it by firing tear gas.

However, the masses did not pay attention, they continued to act anarchically, forcing the officers to give warning shots again.

"It is possible that when giving the warning shot (the bullet) hit the victim and died," explained Fakhiri.

The Kapolda said that at this time it was not certain whether there were other victims or not because from the report he received, a member of the Paniai Police Station was also injured in the leg due to being mistreated by the masses.

He said First Brigadier Pimlipki suffered a laceration to his right leg due to being mistreated by the crowd using a sharp object.

The Paniai Police Chief has been ordered to communicate with village heads and community leaders so that they can help calm the crowd.

"I will also meet with the Regent of Paniai who happens to be in Jayapura to discuss the matter," said the Papuan Police Chief.