In a new report, New York-based Human Rights Watch called for the immediate removal of the six men from the operation in Acheh, Indonesia's largest military venture since its 1975 invasion of East Timor.

Since imposing martial law in the province on May 19 after the breakdown of a ceasefire with the Free Acheh Movement brokered by international mediators, Indonesian security forces have been accused of widespread human rights violations in the province.

The government claims to have mounted an "integrated" humanitarian and military operation and to be respecting human rights. A government spokesman on Wednesday rejected the Human Rights Watch demands as "predictable."

Diplomats, human rights activists, and independent analysts, however, believe hundreds of civilians have been killed since May, while Indonesia's own National Human Rights Commission has confirmed reports of rapes, kidnappings, and extra-judicial killings.

The latest Human Rights Watch report also raises new questions over the ability of Indonesia's civilian government to keep the powerful military, or TNI, accountable and over how much control President Megawati Sukarnoputri has over the military.

Diplomats believe that the TNI is now dictating policy on Acheh and that a six-month term set by Mrs Megawati for martial law in the province is likely to be extended after it expires on November 19.

Topping Human Rights Watch's list of human rights abusers engaged in Acheh is Major General Adam Damiri. He was sentenced to a three-year jail term on August 5 by a Jakarta court for crimes against humanity in East Timor.

"While awaiting the result of his appeal, (General) Damiri remains free and continues to be involved in assisting with military operations in Acheh," Human Rights Watch said. "Few in Indonesia believe he will ever serve a day in jail."

Like two others listed, General Damiri has been indicted by UN prosecutors in East Timor as well. Indonesia has until now refused to hand over any of them.

The five others listed by the rights group include the military's current spokesman, Major General Sjafrie Sjamsuddin, and deputy spokesman, Brigadier General Suhartono Suratman. Also listed are a retired general now advising martial law administrators in Acheh and a lieutenant colonel charged with the massacre of 54 people in Acheh in July 1999.