Jepara riot under investigation

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Central Java deputy police chief Brig. Gen. Anshadi Mbai said here yesterday that an investigation was being conducted to find the mastermind behind the unrest which hit Jepara on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Anshadi said dozens of buildings were damaged and three cars were set alight when a crowd of about 4,000 ran amok.

He said there was no looting during the unrest.

According to Anshadi, the riot was believed to have been sparked by a clash between supporters of local religious leader Afifuddin Mustari and those who oppose him.

He noted that on Monday, hundreds of resident marched to the local council building to demand that Afifuddin be banned from making religious lectures because he allegedly often used foul language.

Then on Tuesday afternoon, a countermarch was held by supporters of Afifuddin. The latter march resulted in a riot across the usually peaceful town.

Anshadi said so far no one had been detained by police. (45)