C. Java villages in tense standoff

C. Java villages in tense standoff

SEMARANG: About 500 residents of Karangsari village in Kendal
have fled their homes, saying they fear reprisals from Bandengan
residents, who saw three of their neighbors killed and 17 others
injured on Sunday in a grenade blast.

A group of Bandengan villagers vandalized and torched on
Monday night two fishing boats belonging to Karangsari people.
The action was provoked by the action of First Sgt. Kartono, who
opened fire and threw a grenade at a crowd in a fish market in
Bandengan. Kartono is married to a Karangsari resident.

"The situation remains tense as warring groups from the two
villages are prepared to attack each other, causing many people
to seek refuge," Kendal military district commander Lt. Col.
Hadito said.

Hadito said the security authorities were trying to settle the
matter peacefully. Kartono was apprehended on Monday and was
undergoing questioning, Hadito said.

Speculations have been rife that Kartono tossed the grenade to
take revenge against Bandengan people who allegedly attacked on
Saturday his father-in-law's house. (har/edt)