Three new movies have been released featuring a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by separatists in Indonesia’s Papua region. They call for the United Nations to mediate within the battle within the resource-rich area. Philip Mehrtens, who works for the home Susi Air service, was abducted by the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) final month after touchdown at an airstrip within the Nduga district.
The conflict began on February 7, when separatist fighters took a New Zealand pilot hostage and set hearth to a small business airplane after it made a landing in a remote highland space. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and said that the pilot would not be launched until the Indonesian government acknowledged the independence of West Papua.
The first proof of life footage after he was taken captive by Papua insurgents got here a week later. The video, released by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), only confirmed that the pilot was alive and properly. The three new movies comprise demands for motion.
In one video, Mehrtens is seen sitting in a jungle clearing surrounded by men. Some of the militants have guns and two are holding bows. The pilot is wearing beige trousers, a blue jacket, and a camouflage hat. He learn out a prepared statement.
“OPM requests the United Nations to mediate between Papua and Indonesia to work in path of Papuan independence. No foreign pilots are permitted to work and fly in Papua until Papua is independent”
It is unclear where and when the videos had been taken, however an OPM spokesperson stated they had been shot on March 6. Another video showed separatists calling for an finish to army cooperation between Indonesia and a number of other countries, including New Zealand, Australia, the US, Britain, France, China, and Russia.
“Propaganda” is how the Indonesian military commander in Papua described the videos. He stated that authorities had been still on the lookout for Mehrtens. Soaring mentioned Mehrtens’ release could be negotiated via dialogue, with regulation enforcement as a last resort. The commander blew off OPM’s demand for UN mediation.
“There isn’t any negotiation with terrorists by the state.”
Meanwhile, Mehrtens is caught within the middle, a pawn in a political battle. In videos, he requested his employers to provide any wage he’s owed to his household for food and payments. He told his family that his captors had offered him with sufficient meals, water, medicine, and warm garments.
“Try to not fear about me. I am being taken care of in addition to could be anticipated given the scenario. Hopefully, we can be together soon”