Eight more killed in Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: Residents in Air Selobar, Pohon Mangga district in Ambon demanded that the marine troops quit the clash-torn city soon for several violations.

Local figures Karim Kahayaan and Mohdar Mukadar asked Lt. Col Lukman, commander of the marine troops in Ambon, that all marine officers who have been found violating the law be brought to court before the company is withdrawn.

The meeting between the local figures with Lt.Col. Lukman took place at the Gedung Ashari in Kebun Mangga on Tuesday, after several marine officers picked up a local resident, identified as Hasan, for pelting stones a marine truck the day before.

The marine officers reportedly stabbed Hasan who resisted arrest. The wounded Hasan, Karim and Mohdar were then taken by the military to nowhere. This evoked residents' anger.

Lt. Col. Lukman apologized for their men's attitude to Hasan, but said that Hasan was known as a provocateur.

Lukman burst into tears as Karim and Mohdar asked his companies to leave Ambon.

He said that the marines were in a difficult position.

Meanwhile, eight people were slain in the village of Amahuru, Seram island, in the province of Maluku on Monday night.

Police believed that the eight victims were all people who were on nightwatch in their village.

Maj. Rustam, commander of (police) operation unit in Seram, confirmed the killing. (25/sur)