Ethnic rioting hits Bagansiapiapi

Ethnic rioting hits Bagansiapiapi

PEKANBARU, Riau: Some 16 houses were set ablaze in ethnic rioting that erupted in the town of Bagansiapiapi in Bangko subdistrict on Thursday night.

No casualties were reported.

Nazirwan Yunus, head of the Bangko subdistrict, said on Friday that the rioting stopped after dozens of security personnel were deployed to the small town.

"The situation has returned to normal and is under control," he said.

Nazirwan said the riot was triggered by a clash between two youths of different ethnic backgrounds.

He said the one who lost the fight went home and returned with friends to avenge his defeat and set fire to the house of his rival.

"The fire spread to other houses. Police are investigating the fire and those involved in the riot," he said. --Antara