In the year 2000. Theys was the elected Leader of the Papua
Presidium Council and mobilised the West Papuan people in a mass non-violent
movement for freedom and independence, now known as the "Papuan
Spring". Managing to convince even Indonesian leaders of the rights of the
West Papuan people, Theys's popularity only grew
more. As a great leader of this non-violent revolution, he appeared almost
daily in the papers and as the Indonesian government began to succumb to
pressure, it looked increasingly like West Papua was going to be free at last.
However, in the eyes of Indonesia's military this peaceful
"Papuan Spring" and the idea of Papuan independence was far too
powerful and scary for them to imagine. After a meeting with Indonesian officials
on 10th November 2001, the Indonesian Special Forces Commander said on the
microphone. "Goodbye to the Great Leader of the Papuans. Have a safe
journey home!" Now people feel that this was to warn his men outside to be
ready. He was driven home by members of the Indonesian Special Forces who
suddenly suffocated him to death in the car. Ryamizard Ryacudu, the new
Indonesian Defense Minister has praised Theys's killers as "heroes".
Theys's murder was an act of brutal savagery and fear. It was
intended to shatter the West Papuan independence movement into pieces but
instead it has brought Papuans together in even greater national reverence for
this heroic man and the burning desire to see his dream fulfilled.
Rest in Peace Chief Theys Eluay, your dream is our dream and one
day it will finally come true.
Sources: Free West Papua Campaign
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar