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Papuan activists painted with the colors of 'Morning Star' separatist flag. (AAP)
Indonesian police have fired gunshots during West Papuan celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of their independence movement’s flag … the Morning Star.
Security forces had massed in the provinces just north of Australia ahead of the rallies to try to prevent the flag being raised.
There are unconfirmed reports two Papuans were shot in the regional capital Timika and that police were attacked with bows and arrows.
West Papuans have been seeking independence since Indonesia invaded in 1962 after the end of 130 years of Dutch colonial rule.
Stefan Armbruster spoke with environmental and indigenous activist Yohanis Goram during a rally in the city of Sorong.