In Papua New Guinea, an armed group has kidnapped several people, probably including foreigners. The hostages are international scientists and local leaders, the police of the island state reported on Facebook on Monday.
It was not initially known where the researchers came from, but the Australian broadcaster ABC reported that among them was a New Zealand professor living in Australia who would have conducted field research in Papua New Guinea. Further details, such as the number of hostages, were not given.
The kidnappers demanded money
The kidnappers had asked for money, Deputy Police Chief Philip Mitna reports on Facebook (see below). The police are negotiating with them through an intermediary and are treating the case as a “serious incident”. Authorities worked around the clock with local villagers to ensure the safe release of the hostages.
These were apparently held in a village on the border between the Southern Highlands and Hela Province. The hostages appear to be alive, ABC Prime Minister James Marape said. “I’m confident we can get them out of there,” he said.
Just two weeks ago, rebels in the neighboring province of Papua, which belongs to Indonesia, took a New Zealand pilot hostage. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNBB for short), the armed wing of the local separatist movement, is demanding negotiations for the region’s independence.
Source: Krone
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