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Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Director of the National Police`s Criminal Investigation Department Senior Commissioner Carlo Tewu said here on Saturday Munarman, the Islam Defenders` Front (FPI)`s "Islamic Legion" commander, was still alive.

Tewu denied that Munarman, the human rights champion-turned-Muslim hardliner who had claimed responsibility for last Sunday`s violence against National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB) activists at the National Monument (Monas) square, was killed.

"Munarman is till alive," Tewu said commenting on reports that certain people had received cellular phone text (SMS) messages saying Munarman had been found dead in the Batujajar area, West Java.

Tewu said the police had yet to arrest him and therefore they were now conducting a manhunt for Munarman.

On Friday, National Police Chief Sutanto called on Munarman again to surrender to the authorities.

Sutanto promised that the legal process against Munarman, who is one of the suspects in the National Monument (Monas) incident last Sunday would be treated fairly.

"We hope he will give himself up soon. We guarantee that the legal process will be conducted fairly. He does not need to worry," Sutanto said after attending the launching of the National Movement for the Popularization of the 2009 General Elections at the State Palace.

Source