Two die in E. Timor clash<\/p>\n
LIQUICA, East Timor: Two men were killed in a clash between
\nprointegration and proindependence groups over the weekend. Ten
\nothers were injured and eight homes were set on fire.<\/p>\n
The fatalities were identified as Francisco of Vatubou village
\nin Maubara district and Felis of Dato village in Liquica
\ndistrict.<\/p>\n
Their affiliations were not known.<\/p>\n
Military command chief Capt. Purwanto said the clash began on
\nSaturday when the home of a military command member was set on
\nfire by a proindependence group. The home of a Liquica official
\nalso was ransacked, he said.<\/p>\n
On Sunday he said a quarrel started between members of both
\ngroups. About 25 members of the Red-and-White Iron (BMP)
\nprointegration group requested protection from the military
\ncommand.<\/p>\n
He added the proindependence group attacked the Vatubou
\nvillage, and the BMP retaliated.<\/p>\n
Thousands of villagers fled, with about 1,000 taking refuge at
\nthe local church, as well as the military command and the home of
\nregent Leonito Martins. Hundreds of others have fled to the cover
\nof forests, and activities in Liquica have stopped.<\/p>\n
Local priest Rafael dos Santos regretted the military also
\nfired shots, causing panic among residents. \"I'm confused because
\nthe military is supposed to be neutral,\" he said.<\/p>\n
At night, BMP members were reportedly joined by the police and
\nthe military on patrol. (33)<\/p>",
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