Footage shows Indonesian forces opening fire on Papuan protesters
Demonstrators say the incident occurred following a peaceful protest - with six bodies reportedly found in front of the Regent's office.
Sources say another two bodies were discovered in a jungle nearby, with at least 15 other people also wounded.
Local activist Victor Yeimo has told SBS News the violence was sudden and unjustified.
"They wanted to go in peacefully but then suddenly police open fire to the mass of demonstrations and so when that happen people attack with bow and arrow."
Indonesian authorities say at least one soldier was also killed in last Wednesday's violent clash, with photos appearing to show the office with several arrows lodged in his body.
Contradicting the earlier reports, the head of the local investigation unit now claims the soldier was killed in a two-way gunfight which was brought on after demonstrators seized control of guns from the army.
This version of events has been disputed by at least one eyewitness.
"They've been experiencing this sort of direct violent confrontations with Indonesian military forces not just recently but for decades so for me those people getting shot by police is no surprise," the observer said.
An uprising which began a fortnight ago continues to see West Papuans make some of their boldest pushes for independence.
In Jayapura overnight, the Indonesian flag was torn down and replaced with the "Morning Star" -an offence which carries with it more than a year behind bars.
Many West Papuans say they're now living under siege with dozens of people feared missing following recent demonstrations.
"Today people of West Papua cannot go to the public places or go to church for the service because they are scared of this situation," Victor Yeimo told SBS News.
A Human Rights lawyer claims seven West Papuan students and one Indonesian person have now been arrested for treason, with further investigations ongoing.
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