Naughty ninjas in Timor-Leste
When I first heard that there was a band of "ninjas" terrorizing folks in Timor-Leste, I have to admit I chuckled a little. But laughs aside, there is something odd going on. Obviously we're not talking about real ninjas, but just guys with masks who have been dubbed ninjas by the media.
The first I saw of this was a little more than a week ago. Diario Nacional reported that Operational Police Commander Mateus Fernandes had yet to receive any complaints from residents in Bobonaro and Covalima, where stories were emanating that ninjas were threatening to kill the locals.
However, Fernandes did say he had received a report on the ninjas from the police commanders of Bobonaro and Covalima and that those commanders would take the "necessary action" to deal with the troublemakers.
That same day, the Timor Post quoted Fernandes as saying that the police had thwarted the operations of the aforementioned ninjas.
About this time, parliament called for the Timorese national police force (PNTL) and the armed forces (F-FDTL) to go on a manhunt and find the ninjas. Given how sketchy the details were, this seemed odd.
Then, Aitahan Matak from resistance organization CPD-RDTL came out and denied any involvement in the ninja saga. Clear so far?
More recently, our fearless police commander Longuinhos Monteiro vowed to set up security posts in dangerous areas, reported RTTL.
The police chief went so far as to say that any ninjas foolish enough to take on the L-man and his boys would end up deep-sixed at Santa Cruz Cemetery. So that's the country's top policeman completely ignoring any rule of law and announcing he will kill wrongdoers, rather than do anything as offbeat as, I don't know, arresting them?
There is speculation that this is all a ploy to put armed cops in the districts in the run-up to municipal elections. Longuinhos and Xanana are buds, after all. Would the head of the ruling coalition go this far to secure a favourable result? I have no idea, but he did let an indicted murderer walk free last year.
It's still not clear exactly what the ninjas have done or why they've done it. Longuinhos also came out and said that some of the ninjas managed to escape to Dili. They are certainly living up to their stealthy reputation. To further confuse the matter, RTTL on Friday reported that Ramos-Horta had commended the police for their efforts in capturing the ninjas. So have they been caught? Who knows for sure.
What's next? A Shinobi-like assault on the president's home? Or maybe a showdown of shurikens versus bullets. I know who my money's on.
Addendum: I'm told these ninjas have been around since 2002 and they are, in fact, CPD-RDTL's boys. Now I'm even more intrigued. Looking forward to getting back to Dili.
[...] or Fiction? Entertainment or real threat? Make up your own mind – read this story posted by The Lost Boy yesterday speculating about the presence of so-called ninjas in Cova Lima threatening the lives of [...]
I think it is tricks politic to justify police are really need to get more guns in the country , to triple police budget in the future so they can buy more guns and sophisticates weapon, and politically pretend to maintain power. Traditionally Timor – Leste politics is always full of game and start with game since and during Indonesia accusation and during independence as well. They are keeping doing it so; I can say Timor-Leste is not trade country but commercializing the country for power. I will write more maun boot!
ninjas are no laughing matter, bro. I heard thats how bill cosby died
I do agree with maun Karlitu Nunes comments saying ‘it is a trick politic’. And I think we do not need more guns in Timor-Leste because there is only one Timor-Leste, no enemy. Indonesia was our enemy but is now our neighbouring country, our friend. I have a feeling that every problem occur in Timor-Leste is just because of oil. Every conflict happens in many different countries like in Iraq, Sudan, or even in Timor-Leste that’s also probably because of oil. So, I personally conclude that — where there is oil there is war and the war is sponsored—. I will send you more stories!
Ninja or no ninjas traumatized communities don’t take lightly to rumour and threat-guys in black pyjamas or police with huge rifles. The UN have no confirmed reports of incidents.
A high police presence in the district frightens people and NGOs are advocating a go slow and explanation.
Fear and rumor unsettle people; and the fear of past atrocities return.
The question is who benefits when instability is created?
PJ