Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Indonesian security forces on rampage in Papua’s Baliem Valley

Posted at 03:29 on 07 June, 2012 UTC

Reports from Indonesia’s Papua region say security forces are conducting a brutal sweep operation in Wamena in the Baliem Valley.

West Papua Media report that an entire army battalion, numbering 1500 combat troops, has been mobilised on to the streets of Wamena.

This comes after two Indonesian soldiers were beaten to death by local residents in retaliation for running down a small Papuan boy in their car in Wamena.

Up to 500 houses have allegedly been set alight by soldiers, as well as numerous businesses.

Local human rights sources say live ammunition is being fired indiscriminately and that scores of people have been beaten and shot by soldiers.