Jakarta – Papua police chief Bagus Eko Danto reiterated on Sunday that local police would chase after members of the Papuan separatist group, the Free Papua Movement (TPN/OPM), following their destructive behavior towards security posts and civil society.

"We have already received the support of the Puncak Jaya regional administration and also local residents as their [OPM] behavior is criminal," Danto said, as quoted by Antara news.

He added that people in the locality have increasingly complained of unruly behavior by TPN/OPM members, including rape and livestock theft.

According to Danto, the search for TPN/OPM rebels would include group members involved in the Tinggi Nambut police post attack last January.

Separatist fighters had attacked a police post and made off with four firearms in a remote area in Puncak Jaya regency, Papua. (amr)