Bagansiapiapi remains tense

Bagansiapiapi remains tense

PEKANBARU, Riau: More than 300 security personnel from the local Police and military remained on guard in Bagansiapiapi following prolonged clashes involving youth from different ethnic groups in the coastal town over the last few days.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Pandiangan, spokesman for the Riau Provincial Police, said despite the relatively calm conditions at present, the security remained tight in anticipation of new clashes.

"The provincial deputy Police chief has left for the town this morning to meet with the two conflicting groups and encourage both to resolve their differences peacefully," he said.

The conflict has raged since early Monday following the discovery of a dead man who was affiliated to one group, and believed to have been murdered by the rival group.

Pandiangan said the Police were still investigating the case. --Antara