Group demands end to Maluku clashes<\/p>\n
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The Association of the Maluku
\nCommunity in Makassar has demanded the authorities declare a
\nceasefire in riot-torn Maluku, or there will be no end to the
\nviolence.<\/p>\n
Chairman of the organization Saleh Putuhena told The Jakarta
\nPost in an interview here on Thursday that the conflict, which
\nspread to the island of Buru on Tuesday, would reach all islands
\nin the province \"unless serious efforts are made by the
\nauthorities.\"<\/p>\n
Putuhena said the organization had some 300 members,
\nconsisting of both Christians and Muslims. \"They all agreed
\nto make peace proposals and we have sent the proposals to the
\nminister of religious affairs,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The ceasefire for both warring camps is the first step to be
\ntaken, then the establishment of a special joint team in charge
\nof collecting weapons used by the warring groups is needed.<\/p>\n
Putuhena, former rector of the State Islamic Institute
\nAlauddin Makassar, said that a further step needed was
\nreconciliation. \"After reconciliation between both parties,
\nMuslims and Christians should meet outside Maluku.\"<\/p>\n
Then representatives of both sides were sent to villages to
\nmake the results of the meeting public at grassroots level, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He said the final step would be rehabilitation, focusing on
\nthe rebuilding of people's houses damaged during the riots.
\n\"People are allowed to choose if they want to live here or go to
\nother areas. Christians can build new homes in an area where
\nChristians are dominant, and similar treatment should also be
\ngiven to Muslims,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"One thing the people of Maluku should have been aware of is
\nthat the continuous clashes will eliminate the existence of
\nMaluku itself,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile the Christian group in the reconciliation team set
\nup by Governor Saleh Latuconsina in Ambon earlier this month
\nthreatened to quit unless the authority made serious attempts to
\nstop the continuing violence.<\/p>\n
The team declared its stance on Tuesday, urging the authority
\nto be neutral and more responsive. The reconciliation team also
\nhas Muslim members.<\/p>\n
The military has been accused of worsening the interreligious
\nclashes which have been ongoing for almost one year in Maluku.
\nHundreds of people have been killed in the conflict. (27\/48\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/group-demands-end-to-maluku-clashes-1447893297",
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