Calm returns to Luwu

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The situation in the riot-hit regency of Luwu has returned to normal, but the waves of refugees seeking shelter outside the town continues.

Deputy chief of South Sulawesi Police Sr. Supt. Jusuf Manggabarani said on Thursday that security officers had controlled the situation.

However, a large number of residents of the villages of Makallang and To'baki in Baebunta district have been leaving their homeland in fear that another clash would erupt.

Most of the refugees said they had lost their homes and belongings and needed a new place to live.

The police said 39 houses in the Lawele village had been destroyed, and 10 school buildings burned down in the communal clash between residents of Mangkallang and Baebunta villages over the past week. (27/sur)