Communal brawls claim two lives

PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Fierce communal clashes separately erupted in two regencies of Mentawai and Sijunjung in West Sumatra province on Monday during which two people were burned to death, two others were seriously injured, and seven houses were torched.

Mentawai regent Antonius Saleleubaja confirmed that the incident took place in Sirilogui village in North Siberut district, saying it was triggered by growing rumors about alleged black magic practitioners.

A mob accused Krisman, 22, and his spiritual teacher Pinda, 60, of practicing black magic and burned houses belonging to them and their relatives. Pinda was burned alive inside his house while Krisman and his family managed to flee from the people and temporarily sought refugee at the local police post.

Meanwhile in Sijunjung regency, a communal brawl was caused by quarrels between seven commuters from South Sumatra's Musi Rawas area and alleged thugs operating at the local Kiliran Jao bus terminal.

Witnesses said that one of the commuters was angered as his hand was pulled by one of the thugs. He then slapped the thug on the face. The thug reported the incident to his group who then mobbed the seven commuters. One of the commuters was burned alive during the brawl.

West Sumatra Police Detective chief Sr. Comr. Octavianus Far Far said that police had arrested three residents of Kiliran Jao village.

Separately in Ambon, Maluku province, at least eight people were killed and 17 others were injured when a group of heavily armed people launched attacks here late on Sunday, officials said on Monday.

Two of the fatalities were believed to be from the group that launched the attacks at Soya Kecil, Belakang Soya and Karang Panjang in Ambon. (28/49)