Anti-independence activists angered

Anti-independence activists angered

AMBON, Maluku: Dozens of youths staged a rally here on Monday
to demand that separatists be firmly dealt with to prevent more
violence following the April 25 incident that sparked a week-long
killing spree in which nearly 40 people were hacked to death or
killed by snipers.

The protest preceded by several hours the flying of two
independence flags of the predominantly Christian Republic of
South Maluku (RMS) over a Muslim neighborhood and later an
explosion in the early evening. No group claimed responsibility
for the flag-raising or the bomb.

The rally was the first to take place after the renewed
violence and it briefly crippled activities in the Ambon mayor's
office.

However, the demonstration ended peacefully around midday amid
tight security by police officers. --JP