Calm returns to Luwu

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)