Mahidi
East Timor Militia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mahidi (Mati Hidup dengan Indonesia, meaning Live and Die with Indonesia)[1] was a militia in East Timor loyal to Indonesia.[2] Its origin is traced back to groups who lost lands and power for fighting the Portuguese and those who collaborated with the Japanese during World War II.[3] The militia was founded in December 1998[4] and its operations were centered around the Cassa area in the southern Ainaro district.[5] The location is strategic since it is at the crossroads between Manufahi, Ainaro, and Cova Lima districts.[5] Mahidi participated in the 1999 East Timorese crisis, and the group was one of the most violent of the armed forces during the crisis. They were linked to the Suai Church massacre[6] which led to around 200 deaths as well as other mass killings.
Mahidi | |
---|---|
Leader | Câncio Lopes de Carvalho [de] |
Foundation | December 1998 (1998-12) |
Dates of operation | 1999 (1999)–2000 (2000) |
Country | East Timor |
Motives | Prevention of East Timor's independence |
Headquarters | Ainaro, East Timor |
Active regions | East Timor |
Political position | Right-wing |
Major actions | |
Notable attacks | Timor-Leste Scorched Earth campaign |
Status | Defunct |