Warehouses gutted as fishermen run amok<\/p>\n
MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Approximately 1,000 rampaging
\nfishermen looted and burned down two warehouses in the port of
\nGabion Belawan, 25 kilometers from Medan, on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
No fatalities were reported in the incident, which occurred at
\nabout midday, but dozens of injuries were reported.<\/p>\n
The cause of the incident is unclear, but there is speculation
\nthat fishermen and local residents ran amok after siding with a
\nlocal fisherman in a heated argument with one of the warehouse
\ncaretakers.<\/p>\n
The warehouse, owned by PT Karya Agung, was used to store
\nfishing equipment and fish on their way to market.<\/p>\n
At least four fire engines were sent from Medan to help put
\nout the fire, however, they initially had trouble reaching the
\nport, as the mob had blocked the street 500 meters before the
\nwarehouse and pelted the firemen who tried to pass with stones.<\/p>\n
One fire engine was left stranded when it was attacked by the
\nmob. Its windows were broken and the firemen were forced to flee.<\/p>\n
There were unconfirmed reports that another building was also
\nset ablaze and about 12 fishing boats were either damaged or
\nburned.<\/p>\n
Several Police Mobile Brigade companies were dispatched to the
\nscene, however, they found it difficult to control the mob.<\/p>\n
Witnesses said police were forced to fire warning shots to
\ndisperse the crowd and stop them attacking other buildings.<\/p>\n
At least one fisherman was seen being rushed to a nearby
\nhospital, after being hit in the waist by a stray bullet.<\/p>\n
Police were finally able to control the crowd after 3 p.m.,
\nand are now conducting an investigation into the matter.<\/p>\n
According to several residents, tension had been brewing for
\nsometime, as the fishermen had been feeling increasingly
\nfrustrated with their poverty and with having to compete with
\nlarge modern trawlers owned by wealthy businessmen. (39)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/warehouses-gutted-as-fishermen-run-amok-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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