Ryamizard warns Jakartans of attempts to sow conflict<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Head of the Jakarta Military Command Maj. Gen.
\nRyamizard Ryacudu said on Friday certain groups were plotting to
\nspark religious conflicts in the capital over Christmas and New
\nYear.<\/p>\n
On Christmas Eve scores of security personnel could be seen
\ndeployed at several churches.<\/p>\n
Until Sunday, no incidents of religiously motivated violence
\nhad been reported in and around the capital. Christians prayed in
\ntheir churches on Christmas eve on Friday and celebrated the
\nfollowing day in a peaceful and calm fashion, while Muslims
\nperformed their fasting as usual.<\/p>\n
Ryamizard said indications groups were planning to create
\ntension between followers of different religions were based on
\nthe findings of his intelligence officers.<\/p>\n
\"The command's military intelligence unit has observed several
\nmeetings held by those groups, discussing instigating riots
\neither on Christmas day or New Year Eve,\" he told reporters,
\nafter leading a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
\nJakarta Military Command at its headquarters in East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Ryamizard, however, did not identify the leaders or give
\ndetails on the motives of the groups that were ready to rock the
\ncity.<\/p>\n
\"The command has even found several pamphlets containing
\nstatements insulting other (religious) parties,\" the two-star
\ngeneral said.<\/p>\n
He said the Jakarta Military Command had done its best to foil
\nthe plotters by, among other things, working together with the
\npolice.<\/p>\n
\"If we don't coordinate with the police in preventing such
\nplans, the Doulos incident could happen again here,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Ryamizard was referring to the Dec. 15 arson attack by a mob
\non a school of theology and rehabilitation centers for drug
\naddicts and mentally-ill people at the Christian-owned Doulos
\ncomplex in Cipayung, East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The mob, believed to be locals upset at the alleged active
\nChristianization scheme run by staff of the complex, beat and
\nstabbed people in the complex. One person was killed and dozens
\nother injured in the nighttime attack, which was immediately
\ncondemned by the government and public.<\/p>\n
Police so far have named 11 suspects in the arson attack.<\/p>\n
Ryamizard said his command had deployed 300 personnel to
\nassist the city police in safeguarding the city from any
\nreligious or communal clashes during the festive season.<\/p>\n
\"But, all troops are ready to back up the police,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He also urged people to participate in safeguarding the city.<\/p>\n
\"People should inform the command or the police immediately if
\nthey find any indication that a group of people are attempting,
\nfor example, to attack a religious place,\" he said. (asa)<\/p>",
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