The National Police says it is investigating a deadly clash between two local groups in Puncak Jaya, Papua, that claimed 17 lives on Sunday.
"We are still investigating the case. It was related to the local regent election. We are investigating further by sending investigators [to Puncak Jaya]," National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam said Monday.
Anton added that the clash had erupted when a group torched the house of Puncak Jaya Regional Representative Council (DPRD) chairman Elvis Tabuni, who is set to compete in the upcoming election.
Anton said the incident was followed by a clash between supporters of Elvis Tabuni and supporters of another regent candidate, Simon Alom.
"The clash claimed the lives of 13 people from Elvis' side and four from Simon's side," he said.
Anton said Papua Police had send a platoon of mobile brigade officers [Brimob] to Puncak Jaya to restore order.
He added that police were closely guarding the Puncak Jaya General Elections Commission (KPU) office. (rpt)
Source; http://www.thejakartapost.com
