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