Police Investigates 29 People in Conection with Tolikara Incident

Jayapura, Papua (Antara Bali) - The Tolikara Resort Police Station has investigated 29 people related to the incident that occurred in Tolikara Region, Papua, Chief Directorate General of Criminal Investigation of Papua Police Command Senior Commissioner Dwi Riyanto stated.

Speaking to journalists, here on Tuesday, Riyanto revealed that the 29 people who were investigated were only witnesses, and no one has been named as a suspect.

The witnesses who had been questioned were the victims of a stone-pelting incident while performing Eid prayers at Karubaga sub-district military command field.

Riyanto pointed out that the police are still investigating and collecting evidence and statements from the witnesses for both the victim and those who saw the incident.

The Directorate General of Criminal Investigation of Papua Police Command has also deployed 12 investigators to assist Tolikara Resort Police Station to solve the case related to the attacks on Muslims performing prayers during Eid and the burning down of kiosks that also resulted in a mosque (Islamic house of prayer) located around the stalls catching fire.

Meanwhile, the case of civilians being shot during the attacks is now being investigated by the police's Profession and Security Division of Papua Police Command, Riyanto remarked.

Several people were shot and wounded when the police tried to stop a mob from attacking Muslims performing their Eid al-Fitr morning prayers at a mosque in Karubaga, the capital of the Tolikara district in Papua. One person died, and 54 kiosks, houses, and a mosque were burnt down during the incident.

However, the situation in Tolikara is now conducive, and the government is rebuilding the mosque and kiosks. (WDY)