West Papuans join rally for independence

SURABAYA, Dec 01 (AP):- About 300 West Papuan demonstrators calling for independence for the restive Indonesian region faced off with counterprotesters on Saturday in the country's second-largest city.

The demonstrators in Surabaya chanted "Freedom Papua" and held banners demanding a referendum for independence to mark Dec. 1, which many West Papuans consider the anniversary of what they say should have been their independence.

"We are demanding the truth of our history," a speaker shouted at the crowd at the rally, which was organized by the Papua Students Alliance. "Referendum for independence is the right solution for the people of Papua."

The crowd, including many wearing headbands with the morning star flag as a separatist group symbol, was blocked from marching to the city center by scores of counterprotesters from several youth organizations in Surabaya, the capital of East Java province. Some confronted the pro-independence protesters with sharpened bamboos.

"You may rally to voice your aspiration, but don't bring the separatist issue," said a speaker from the rival group.