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)