Banda Aceh – An Indonesian general on Monday officially handed over power to the civilian governor of restive Aceh province almost three weeks after martial law was lifted.

Governor Abdullah Puteh and former martial law chief Maj. Gen.

Endang Suwarya signed a "Transfer of Command and Operational Control" order in a ceremony at the governor's office. The document was also signed by acting security minister Hari Sabarno. Suwarya will remain the province's military chief and a military operation against separatist rebels will continue.

The government on May 19, 2003 imposed martial law and launched an intensive military campaign against the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Military rule was lifted a year later.

The military has said about 5,000 rebels have been killed, captured or surrendered during the operation but that GAM has also been recruiting.

Aceh, a resource-rich province on the tip of Sumatra island, is now under a civil emergency status. Civilian authorities have special powers, including the power to censor the press and impose a curfew if needed. Police last week questioned Puteh as a witness in a case of alleged corruption involving the provincial administration.