22 Dec 2009

Burial of Papua leader postponed

8:15 am on 22 December 2009

The burial of Papua separatist leader, Kelly Kwalik, was postponed yesterday.

The Jakarta Post says disagreements among groups at the Mimika legislature forced the burial to be postponed till today.

Amungme tribal youth leader, Hans Magal, said funeral organizers had given into public demands.

After a memorial service, at least 600 of Kelly's supporters returned to discuss funeral details.

Some of his supporters wanted the burial to be carried out immediately while those who wanted it postponed began pelting rocks.

The situation became tense and officers from the Mimika Police and Mobile Brigade Brigade unit had to step up security around the council building.