Death toll in Luwu violence reaches 13

Death toll in Luwu violence reaches 13

LUWU, South Sulawesi (JP): The death toll from an intervillage
clash in the district of Ponrang, Luwu regency, reached 13 on
Saturday, while regency legislators decried the local regent's
sluggishness in dealing with the violence.

"Regent Kamrul Kasim failed to anticipate the deadly clash,
which had been predicted by others. He also did not approach
residents to appeal to them not to be easily provoked. Kamrul
Kasim must be held responsible for the tragedy," A. Muh. Yamin, a
legislator from Commission B, told The Jakarta Post while
monitoring the exodus from Padang Sappa.

The intervillage clash erupted on Wednesday following the
Tuesday murder of A. Syair Opu of Bonto Karya hamlet by residents
of Lorong Seribu hamlet in the village of Padang Sappa.

At least 13 people were killed, 19 others seriously injured
and almost 80 houses destroyed in the clash. More than
3,500 people have sought refuge, with 2,000 of them having fled
the regency.

The death toll is expected to rise as police and military
personnel continue to comb the area for more bodies.

The Post and private television station RCTI were unable to
contact Kamrul on Thursday to ask him about his plan to deal the
clash and the refugees. Kamrul's adjutant said the regent was
sleeping and could not be disturbed.

Legislator Aris Pangerang was of the same opinion as Yamin,
saying that Central Sulawesi Governor HZB Palaguna and Regent
Kamrul Kasim must be held responsible for the clash.

"The regency and the provincial administrations should find
the best solution to deal with the clash and the refugees," Aris
said.

Meanwhile, Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr.
Muh. Siswa said 10 local people had been arrested and questioned
over their alleged role in the clash.

"Hundreds of homemade rifles, a large amount of ammunition and
Molotov cocktails have also been seized from those involved in
the clash.

"However, we believe that other parties are behind the fatal
clash."

Luwu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Anjaya backed this position,
saying the ammunition used by those involved in the violence was
military issue. "Some of the suspects admitted to having been
paid to provoke unrest."

The situation in Ponrang was improving on Saturday, with
hundreds of policemen on alert in the area and Anjaya and the
Central Sulawesi Police deputy chief touring the village.
(27/sur)