16 Dec 2009

OPM leader Kwalik dies after shooting incident

5:14 pm on 16 December 2009

A senior leader of the separatist Free Papua Organisation in Indonesia, Kelly Kwalik, has died after being shot in a raid by security forces.

The Jakarta Post says the Papua police spokesman, Senior Commander Agus Riyanto, has confirmed that Kelly Kwalik was shot during a raid at one of his hiding places in Gorong-Gorong in the city of Timika.

Police say he was carrying a gun when he was shot by an officer.

The rebel leader later died in hospital in Timika.

Earlier this year, Papua police held a meeting with Kelly Kwalik in connection with a series of armed attacks targeting US-based gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia.

He rejected any responsibility for the attacks.