Fleeing residents return home

BATAM, Riau: Many residents who fled recent armed clashes between members of the Batak and Flores ethnic groups here began returning home as of Tuesday morning, Antara reported.

Thousands of refugees crammed the main police and military stations, mosques and churches on the island south of Singapore to escape the clashes.

At least 20 people have been killed since July 24 in the clashes triggered by an argument over control of a bus route.

About 300 military personnel were sent to Batam last week.

Most of the refugees have returned home following the signing of a recent agreement between the groups, a witness said.

"It was uncomfortable to live in the temporary shelters and children were missing school," refugee Damanik said. (edt)