Inp.polri.go.id – Mimika. After a string of attacks of the armed criminal group (KKB), villagers of the Paro District, Nduga fled their village in Paro District, Nduga and were evacuated to the centre of Nduga, Kenyam, police said.

The Head of Public Relations Department of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, Police Senior Superintendent Donny Charles, explained on Monday (13/2/23) that the villagers decided to leave their village since they were fearful after the attack and the threats against 15 construction workers by the KKB,

“These armed criminals have carried out various acts of crimes and violence against the people. Since 2017, sixty-five cases have been committed, including murder, rape, shooting, destruction of buildings, massacres, and other crimes committed by the group of Egianus Kogoya in Nduga Regency," he said.

The spokesperson explained that the joint team of the Indonesian Military and the Indonesian National Police (INP) had provided groceries during the evacuation of the fleeing Nduge people, including the elderly, women and children, who were exhausted and hungry on their way to safety.

He explained that it took four to five days on foot to reach the nearest village from the Paro District. Previously, people made use of air transport, however, the air service had to stop due to the burning of the plane.

The KKB has killed civilians three times before.  On June 25, 2018, the group killed 3 civilians and injured 3 others at the Kenyam airport complex. On December 2, 2018, the KKB killed 17 employees of Istaka Karya company.  As many as 4 people are still missing to date.  In mid-2022, the KKB killed 11 residents and injured 2 others in Nogolait Village, Kenyam Regency in mid-2022. 

(jo/hn/um)