Farouk Arnaz & Markus Junianto Sihaloho – The Free Papua Movement on Tuesday rejected an accusation by the National Police that it was behind Sunday's ambush in which nine people were injured traveling in a convoy of miner PT Freeport McMoran.

"Baseless accusations have always been directed toward the OPM [Free Papua Movement] when any killings or shootings occur around the mining area. The recent shooting on Mile 60 on Sunday is no exception," OPM leader Otto Ondawame said.

"The OPM has categorically rejected any involvement. The shooting does not help the process of peaceful dialogue in West Papua. On the contrary, this type of crime will only hamper the peaceful dialogue that has made good progress," Otto said.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Edward Aritonang has said the attack was most likely the work of the OPM. "Judging from previous attacks linked to the OPM that we have investigated, Sunday's incident has a similar modus operandi," he said.

He also ruled out withdrawing police officers from Timika, adding that police officers were integral to security. "If we leave [Timika], who will actually investigate the ambush? Trust us, please," Edward said.

Papua Police have found 5.56-millimeter caliber shell casings at the scene. Bullets of this caliber are used in M-16, SS-1, Steyr and AK-47 assault rifles, which are issued to the military and police. However, the OPM is believed to be in possession of weapons seized from the police and military since 2003.

In January 2008, the OPM seized at least four SS-1 rifles and ammunition from the police at Tingginambut, Puncak Jaya.

The nine people injured by Sunday's shooting included an American and a South African national working at the Grasberg gold and copper mine, the teenage daughter of a mine employee and four Mobile Brigade (Brimob) police officers on security detail.