Violence continues in Maluku province<\/p>\n
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Sporadic attacks occurred at several
\nlocations across Saparua and Ambon islands in Maluku province
\nover the weekend, leaving one dead.<\/p>\n
Secretary of the Klasis Maluku Protestant Church, P.G.
\nManopo said here on Sunday afternoon that the first of the
\nclashes occurred on Saturday morning in Ulath village, Saparua
\nIsland, where armed gangs reportedly attacked using bombs and
\nmortars.<\/p>\n
The first attack was stopped by security personnel. However,
\nan attack was launched later in the afternoon against Sirisori
\nvillage. No security personnel were on hand to deter this attack
\nwhich reportedly destroyed 15 houses and left one dead.<\/p>\n
The latest attacks continue the spate of offenses launched
\nagainst several villages in the area since September.<\/p>\n
The attacks have usually targeted villages which are
\nreligiously homogeneous.<\/p>\n
Saparua island is located about 100 kilometers east of Ambon.<\/p>\n
On Sunday morning, Manopo added, another clash broke out in
\nthe same area.<\/p>\n
Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani confirmed on
\nSaturday evening the attack that occurred on Saparua island.<\/p>\n
He said he would suggest to Governor Saleh Latuconsina and
\nMilitary commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa the establishment of a
\njoint police and military unit in all riot-prone villages on
\nSaparua island to improve security.<\/p>\n
Separately, on Sunday evening in Ambon, violence broke out in
\nthe Mardika, Urimessing, Waititar, Batugantung, and Karangpanjang
\nareas. No casualties were reported in the brief conflicts.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile in Ternate, visiting House of Representatives
\nSpeaker Akbar Tandjung suggested that the state of civil
\nemergency that had been imposed on North Maluku since June be
\nrevoked.<\/p>\n
Akbar said during a visit to the province on Sunday that
\nconditions had improved and there was no longer any need for the
\narea to be designated with such an emergency classification,
\nadding that he would discuss the matter with President
\nAbdurrahman Wahid once he returns to Jakarta.<\/p>\n
"Community and religious leaders, political parties, the
\nyouth, have all succeeded in creating a conducive climate," he
\nsaid as quoted by Antara.(49\/lup)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/violence-continues-in-maluku-province-1447893297",
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