10 held in Landono arson case

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Unaaha police station held 10 people as the main suspects in the recent arson of three houses belonging to migrants in Telumbinga village in Landono district, some 80 kilometers north of the provincial capital, Kendari.

"Our investigation is still under way and, in the meantime, we have identified at least ten people to be held as main suspects," Unaaha Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Teguh Prayitno said on Thursday.

Saturday's arson, which was initially sparked off by the murder of a local by a migrant happened two days before the torching of the three migrants' houses, Antara reported.

Teguh did not identify the suspects but said witnesses also stated they were provoking the people to set fire to the houses.

The situation in the village was reportedly returning to normal, with fleeing migrants having returned home.

"An agreement with the local administration and local figures was also reached to maintain security and peace there while both the murder and arson will continue to be investigated," Teguh remarked. --Antara