'Instigators' behind Kupang riots

'Instigators' behind Kupang riots

JAKARTA (JP): The rioting in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of
Kupang on Monday that included attacks on a number of mosques
might have been orchestrated, according to Governor Piet
Alexander Tallo.

Tallo said in Kupang on Wednesday that at least two alleged
instigators of the riot had been detained for questioning.

"They used religious sentiments to destroy the unity and
harmony in this area," Tallo was quoted as by Antara as saying
during a media conference in the city.

Also present at the briefing were Udayana Regional Military
Commander Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri, speaker of the provincial
legislature Simon Petrus Soliwoa and Kupang regent Paul Lawa
Rihi.

According to Tallo, the riots were a part of a national-level
political conspiracy to discredit the local government.

"I accept this ordeal as a disgrace. I am ready to take the
consequences of this case from the national leader," he remarked.

Tallo said the mob burned down four mosques and damaged five
others during the violence in the predominantly Christian city of
217,000.

Tallo said at least 18 people were injured in the unrest.

At least 25 houses, two shops, six motorcycles and six cars
were also damaged in the frenzy which may have been a reprisal
against a Nov. 22 riot in Jakarta in which 14 people died and 22
churches were burned or damaged.

The Kupang incident has sparked fears of further retaliation
against churches.

Albeit wearily, Kupang slowly returned to daily life on
Wednesday as government offices resumed activities despite the
lack of public transportation.

Television station SCTV reported on Wednesday evening that
1,400 people had fled their ruined homes to seek shelter at local
security posts.

There was no immediate official confirmation of this.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar Sianipar said on
Tuesday that the Armed Forces (ABRI) headquarters had sent 800
troops to Kupang to back up local personnel to restore law and
order.

Four Christian youth and student groups in East Nusa Tenggara
issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling on Christians to
remain calm, the security authorities to investigate the violence
and the government to provide protection and security for all
religions.

President B.J. Habibie on Tuesday condemned the attacks and
vowed "not to allow the burning of these places of worship."

Minister of Defense and Security/ABRI Commander Gen. Wiranto
said here on Wednesday that the military would take stern
measures against any rioters. (byg)