Sentani – Indigenous separatists in Irian Jaya province have threatened to retaliate against settlers from other parts of Indonesia, following the recent killing of their pro-independence leader Theys Eluay.

Activists from across the far-flung province – also known as West Papua – have been gathering in Mr Theys' hometown here for tomorrow's funeral service.

While many in the pro-independence movement want to continue negotiating with Jakarta, a growing number of younger activists are said to favour using force to end Indonesian rule.

"Talk has gotten us no where," Mr Peter Barama, a separatist supporter, said on Wednesday. "It is time to force all Indonesians to leave our land." Thousands of people have been killed in the province since Indonesia occupied the former Dutch colony in 1963.

Its status as part of Indonesia was formalised in 1969 through a vote by village chiefs, but pro-independence activists say the vote was rigged. A ragtag guerilla group has been fighting Indonesian rule ever since.

Mr Barama said that after tomorrow's funeral, gangs may attack migrant communities. In the past 30 years, the government has settled hundreds of thousands of people from other parts of Indonesia in Irian Jaya.

The local population has long resented their presence and attacks them sporadically in an effort to drive them out. Last year, about 40 migrants in Wamena were speared to death by separatist tribesmen. Several were decapitated.

Said human rights campaigner Theositat Dana: "People are afraid. Many are sheltering at police stations or military barracks. Others are hoping to be protected in churches." Nobody has claimed responsibility for Mr Theys' death.

Relatives and activists have accused the Indonesian military of killing the separatist leader. Senior officers – who met him just before his death – have denied any wrongdoing.

Dozens of Mr Theys' supporters flew in from the market town of Wamena, in Irian Jaya's remote highlands. Some carried wreaths and the independence movement's "Morning Star" flag as they walked through Sentani.

Many had their faces covered in mud, in a traditional sign of mourning. 'Our leader may be dead but we will never give up our fight for freedom,' said tribal elder Obed Komba.