Eight more killed in Ambon

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court before the company is withdrawn.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)