E. Timor refugees threaten locals

E. Timor refugees threaten locals

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Thousands of villagers in the
district of Sulamu, 120 kilometers east of Kupang, East Nusa
Tenggara, are seeking protection and evacuation following alleged
violence on the part of East Timorese refugees.

The refugees, occupying a camp only three kilometers away from
Sulamu village, have reportedly looted dozens of houses belonging
to villae residents.

Around 20 village community leaders called on the regent of
Kupang on Monday to demand security guarantees in connection with
the increasing tension between the rural inhabitants and the
refugees.

Kupang Deputy Regent Frids Djubida said renewed tension had
gripped the town since Saturday after the refugees attacked local
settlements, killing cattle and damaging personal property.

The attack took place after local people protested the
slaughter of their cattle by a group of refugees.

The governor of NTT, Piet A. Tallo, confirming the Sulamu
people's demand, said his administration was striving to find the
best possible solution to the problem.

Udayana Military District Commander Maj. Gen. Willem T. da
Costa meanwhile said his forces were prepared to take stern
action against rioters trying to create chaos.

Provincial Police chief Brig. Gen. Yakobus Jacky Uli supported
the commander's statement by giving assurances that any
violations of law would be dealt with strictly and stating that
an investigating team was gathering data to find out who were the
masterminds behind the violence. (30)