JI militant hits out at fugitive

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Captured Indonesian militant Abu Dujana has distanced himself from Noordin Top, a key wanted figure in the regional Islamist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI).

In an interview with an Indonesian magazine, Dujana accused the fugitive of planning the 2003 bombing of the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta.

Dujana was also implicated in the attack but, in the interview, said he had disapproved of the bombing.

He was arrested last week and has said he is leader of JI's military wing.

JI is rumoured to have suffered splits in recent years as members disagreed over the organisation's methods amid a major international crackdown on its activities that led to scores of arrests.

Abu Dujana's comments, to Tempo magazine, would appear to back up speculation that Noordin Top had set up a splinter group, analysts say.

Videotaped confessions

Speaking from his prison in the Javan city of Yogyakarta, Abu Dujana said he had been "mad with Noordin for his action" over the Marriott attack that killed 14 people, the Tempo article said.

KEY JI FIGURES Noordin Mohamed Top, bomb maker and head of splinter group, still on runDulmatin, in hiding in the southern PhilippinesLeader Zarkasih, in police custodyMilitary leader Abu Dujana, in police custodyBomb expert Azahari Husin shot dead by police in 2005Abu Bakar Ba'ashir, alleged JI spiritual leader, released from jail in 2006 Amrozi, Imam Samudra and Ali Ghufron on death row for 2002 Bali bombingsHambali, alleged JI operations chief, held in Guantanamo Bay <a class="" href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6749167.stm">What next for JI?</a>

He admitted attending a meeting at which the attack was discussed, but implied Noordin Top had already got plans under way for the bombing without his knowledge.

"Noordin had recruited the people [who allegedly carried out the attack] before the meeting with me," he told Tempo.

"Later, I learned that the meeting with Noordin had put me on a suspect list of those who were involved in the planning of the Marriott bombing," he said.

"I just laughed when I read that in the media."

When asked by Tempo if he had disapproved on the attack, he said: "Yes".

Abu Dujana, 37, was arrested more than a week ago in Yogyakarta along with several other people, including the man who is believed to be the overall head of JI, Zarkasih.

Both men this week were seen giving videotaped confessions of their roles within the organisation.

Noordin Top, a Malaysian national, has long been on Indonesia's most wanted list - accused of having a hand in most of the bomb attacks since 2002.