Dozens reported killed in Galela

AMBON, Maluku (JP): After weeks of calm, sectarian clashes erupted again in the North Maluku district of Galela on Halmahera island in early hours of Thursday when an armed mob attacked Mamuya village.

Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela confirmed the incident later in the day, but was short on details, citing lack of communication and transportation in reaching the remote area.

"I've heard about the incident. We have problems there as only a limited number of security troops are posted in the territory," Tamaela said by phone on Thursday night.

Community leaders in Galela and Tobelo districts have rejected the presence of security troops in the area, because they felt that some of them were taking sides with one of the warring camps.

"I have ordered a quick handling of the fray and we're probing the case thoroughly," Tamaela said. He also expressed regret over the incident, which he said could have been prevented if enough troops were available there.

According to deputy chief of Galela-based Synode Masehi Injil Church Rev. Biso, no fewer than 25 Mamuya villagers were killed and 52 others injured in the melee.

The attackers burned houses in the village when most of its residents were still asleep, Biso said.

At least eight of the attackers died, Biso said.

"The mobs invaded the village from the sea and forest," Biso said. Mamuya is located just 500 meters from the Halmahera waters.

Only two of the eight dead attackers were identified from their identification cards, namely Sulaiman of Muara Enim, South Sumatra, and Rosika P. Pryai of Muncis Sapau, North Sumatra.

"The eight men were carrying standard military-style weapons. The bodies were taken by locals and buried near the village," Biso said, adding that many villagers were found dead as they were trapped in the burning house.

The injured were taken to Bethesda Hospital in Tobelo, about 30 kilometers from the scene of the incident.

Upon hearing of the attack, about 2,000 residents from Galela sought refuge in neighboring Tobelo district.

Galela and Tobelo districts are known as trade centers on the islands. The areas had been rocked by riots but were in a relatively calm condition over the past couple of months.

The year-long violence in the Malukus has claimed at least 2,000 lives, forcing thousands of others to flee their province. (49/edt)