PNG News Updates - PNG border crackdown detains 14 suspected of OPM links

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PNG border crackdown detains 14 suspected of OPM links

Radio New Zealand International - February 8, 2011

PNG soldiers storm home of suspended West Sepik police commander - Radio New Zealand International. February 7, 2011
Parkop tells prime minister to stop border ops - The National. February 1, 2011
50 West Papuans detained in PNG - PNG Post Courier. January 25, 2011
Papua New Guinea MP condemns operation against Indonesian rebels - The National (PNG). January 21, 2011
PNG launches border security operation - Australian Associated Press. January 17, 2011

The head of Papua New Guinea's join security forces operation in Sandaun province around the border with Indonesia says 14 detainees are suspected of being members of the militant separatist group, OPM Free West Papua.

Operation Sunset Merona has been underway for three weeks with more than 100 people arrested and detained for alleged illegal movement across the border from Indonesia.

Commander Jerry Frank has dismissed claims his security forces have ransacked the homes of innocent people in Sandaun, and denies the Operation is doing the dirty work of the Indonesian military in pursuing OPM members.

He says around a hundred Papuan detainees could face charges for being in PNG without permits, while the suspected OPM members could face other charges too: "But we're looking at (them) having been operatives as soldiers he re, and likewise involving training of OPM activities here and other related offences after investigations are complete."