Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights says it is investigating deaths of a dozen West Papuans in a military operation.
The commission, known as Komnas HAM, says the incident took place last Tuesday in Kembru District in Puncak regency of Central Papua
Komnas HAM said 12 civilians, including women and children, died as the result of gunshot wounds sustained in an Indonesian military operation.
It said any operation that results in civilian casualties “cannot be justified on any grounds”.
Komnas HAM said that dozens of other civilians suffered serious injuries.
Indonesia’s military told local media its forces killed four Papuan pro-independence militants in an armed exchange in Kembru.
However, the West Papua National Liberation Army has denied that there was any exchange with the Indonesian military in Kembru.
Restraint urged
Urging the head of Indonesia’s military to investigate the incident, Komnas HAM has urged restraint from all parties.
It also urged both Indonesia’s national government and the Papua regional government to ensure measures are taken to protect civilians, treat those injured and recover bodies of those killed.
The human rights body also noted the risk of mass displacement of villagers impacted by the military operation.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.