Police slam new religious groups<\/p>\n
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani
\ncriticized on Friday the establishment of new organizations along
\nreligious lines, saying the trend runs counter to the drive to
\nrestore peace between Muslims and Christians in the province.<\/p>\n
\"Such exclusive organizations would hamper reconciliation
\nefforts as they sharpen differences between the communities,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
At least two new organizations have emerged in the last two
\nweeks. One is called the Seram Island Muslim Solidarity and the
\nother the Leihitu Huamual Muslim Intellectuals in Ambon.<\/p>\n
Firman said the establishment of groups along religious lines
\nwould force the other religious community to set up its own.<\/p>\n
But he added his belief that these exclusive organizations
\nwere set up in response to the continuing injustice and violence
\nfrom the conflict in Maluku.<\/p>\n
\"We need to hold peaceful talks to bridge the two communities'
\naspirations and foster mutual understanding,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Greater understanding could end the violence, he added.<\/p>\n
Firman's appeal for dialog appeared to have fallen on deaf
\nears with violence continuing in Ambon on Friday.<\/p>\n
The Civil Emergency Post in Ambon said gunshots and explosions
\nwere heard on Jl. Diponegoro, in Mardika and Batumerah in the
\nSirimau district, and in Tanah Lapang Kecil in the Nusaniwe
\ndistrict.<\/p>\n
There were no reports of fatalities in the attacks.<\/p>\n
The Maranatha Communication Post in Sirimau said dozens of
\narmed men from Kelapa Dua village on Seram island attacked a
\npassenger bus when it passed through the area.<\/p>\n
Twenty-three passengers who were injured were rushed to the
\nKairatu General Hospital.<\/p>\n
The Maluku Civil Emergency Post confirmed the attack and said
\nthat it had asked the Ambon Military District Command to send
\nreinforcement troops to maintain security in the area. (49\/lup)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/police-slam-new-religious-groups-1447893297",
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