Papua, on the western half of New Guinea island, is in the midst of violent protests leaving at least 20 people killed and dozens more injured.
What We Know:
- Monday’s protests in the city of Wamena — mostly involving high-schoolers — were reportedly sparked by racist comments made by a teacher, but police have disputed that account as a “hoax”.
- Hundreds of people in the demonstration burned down a government office and other buildings, authorities said. “Most of them died in a fire…The death toll could go up because many were trapped in burning kiosks,” advised Papua military spokesman Eko Daryanto.
- Three hundred people were arrested in connection with Monday’s protests and about 65 people had been injured, Daryanto added.
- Authorities have tried to control the situation with the country sending thousands of security personnel to Papua to stop the unrest, airport cancelling multiple flights at the airport and even cutting the Internet service. However, the protests still seem to be going strong.
Hopefully peace comes sooner rather than later.
