History
In April 1999, an event known as the Cailaco massacre left at least 20 deaths. The killings were carried out by Indonesian soldiers and pro-Indonesian militias. The massacre started on 12 April 1999 after an Indonesian soldier and a local pro-autonomy activist, Manuel Gama, were ambushed and killed in Purogoa village. In the following days, soldiers and militiamen killed at least 20 people, mistreated hundreds, and committed sexual violence against hundreds of women and girls. On 17 April, two men, Aprigio Mali Tae and Carlos Sama-Lelo were killed by militiamen. On 19 April, Antonio Basilio and Armando Berlaku were killed in Manapa village by members of the Dadurus Merah Putih. The next day, José Barros and Carnelio were killed by soldiers and members of the Guntur Batu-Laka and Halilintar militias. On 24 April, Calistro da Cunha was abducted by members of the Kaer Metin Merah Putih militia and Indonesian soldiers. He was taken to Omelain village and handed over to Halilintar militiamen who killed him shortly after. His family buried him the following day in Guda cemetery. ==References==