Groups of provocateurs identified in Maluku

Groups of provocateurs identified in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina revealed
on Saturday that civil emergency authorities have identified
groups of defiant security officers responsible for provoking
chaos in the strife-torn province.

"We have identified leaders of the defiant troopers that are
stirring chaos in the Malukus by conducting rogue shootings and
causing random bomb explosions.

"These men have been closely monitored by the intelligence
unit," Latuconsina said in his office.

There are at least six security force personnel who have been
transferred to other duties outside Maluku, but are still roaming
around Maluku islands, he said.

"We have discussed how to deal with them in the coordination
meeting with the Pattimura Military Commander (Brig. Gen. I Made
Yasa) and the Maluku Police chief (Brig. Gen. Firman Gani).
Another meeting will take place on Monday," he added.

The defiant officers are believed to be responsible for the
arson and bombing incidents in Hatualang village in Seram islands
on Feb. 21 which killed three residents and injured scores of
others.

The authorities, however, will be cautious and not make any
reckless arrests.

"We won't bust them now since the situation is relatively calm
and their arrest is likely to trigger a massive reaction. But
once there is an incident, they will be nailed," he said.

Latuconsina said the defiant personnel have been trying to
infiltrate the mobs by provoking people in restive areas and
borders of Muslim and Christian areas, such as Batu Merah in
Mardika, and Air Kuning in Ahuru.

"We are doing our best to identify potential conflicts and
prevent them from spreading," he said.

On Jan. 21, a total of 14 police and military personnel, who
allegedly conducted rogue shootings during a disturbance in the
Batu Merah area, were arrested in a predawn raid at Hotel Wijaya
II by the Joint Security Battalion, comprising three elite
military units.

Latuconsina added that the civil emergency authority will
retain the Joint Battalion's existence to help restore law and
order in Maluku, especially to handle the provocative and defiant
actions of troops in the Malukus.

Gunfire was heard at around 11 p.m. local time Saturday at
Diponegoro Dalam area in downtown Ambon, apparently following a
dispute between locals and the Lasykar Jihad, a local military
official said.

"It was actually a minor incident. Locals were having a
traditional wedding party and the Lasykar Jihad members objected
to the event," a local official said.

Latuconsina further said that Vice President Megawati
Soekarnoputri has established an additional National Board for
Natural Disasters and Refugee Relief.

The Malukus (North Maluku and Maluku) are home to 230,000
refugees.

The governor further said that support for the refugees will
continue in conjunction with the rehabilitation effort.

"We won't wait for the conflicts to die down since their (the
refugees's) number has swollen to thousands and they are very
easy to be provoked and involved in conflicts.

"In many cases refugees become sources of conflict, especially
since they are segregated according to their religions. They are
also an easy target for rioters," Latuconsina said.

The only mixed refugee camp on the island of Ambon is located
at Halong Naval Base, about seven kilometers east of Ambon city,
the capital of Maluku province and home to some 8,500 victims of
violence.

Several areas involved in rehabilitation schemes are the
villages of Nania, Mangga Dua, Negri Lama, Galunggung and Air
Kuning.

Meanwhile, Ambon is gearing up to elect its new mayor with the
names of the candidates due for submission by April 12. Among
prospective contenders are incumbent mayor Col. Chris Tanasale,
Ambon Council Speaker M.J. Pailaya and Col. (ret) Markus Selano
from Surabaya.

The election will be held in June. (edt/49)