Easter celebrated peacefully in Ambon<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Despite fears of renewed unrest, peace prevailed
\nin the riot-devastated Maluku capital of Ambon on Sunday as
\nthousands of Christian residents celebrated Easter outdoors and
\nin churches, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
Celebrations began on Saturday afternoon as residents in a
\nnumber of Christian neighborhoods prepared for the solemn
\ncelebration on the following day.<\/p>\n
Gospel recitals were heard throughout the evening over
\nloudspeakers, the news agency said. Residents in some
\nneighborhoods gathered to chat and joke.<\/p>\n
Early on Sunday, hundreds of Christians proceeded through the
\nstreets, carrying torches and lanterns and chanting prayers.<\/p>\n
The parade, which included people in cars and other vehicles,
\ndrew attention from other Christians who gathered to watch.<\/p>\n
Security forces were on guard at crucial sites in the town,
\nbut they were reportedly in a relaxed mood.<\/p>\n
Antara said some security personnel mingled with the crowd,
\ntelling them they should not be easily provoked.<\/p>\n
The situation has almost returned to normal, the news agency
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Refugees sheltering in Silo Church and in the residential area
\nof Mangga Dua in Nusaniwe subdistrict were no longer showing
\nsigns of stress, the news agency said.<\/p>\n
It said priests preached to their congregation to forget the
\nrecent unrest pitting groups of Christians and Muslims.<\/p>\n
They warned that violence brought no good but would earn
\ndivine retribution for culprits.<\/p>\n
At least 200 people were killed during the violence that broke
\nout in mid-January and ceased late last month. Tens of thousands
\nof residents, mostly migrants to the province, fled during the
\nunrest. (aan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/easter-celebrated-peacefully-in-ambon-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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