Locals surrender weapons to TNI

AMBON, Maluku: Residents of Togawa subdistrict, North Maluku regency, handed over on Tuesday rifles and ammunition to the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Seven rifles, including a U.S.-made M-16, and 220 rounds of ammunition were turned over to the soldiers.

The chief of the Baabullah Military Resort, Lt. Col. Yudi Zanibar, said the residents voluntarily handed over the rifles and ammunition to the TNI.

He added that TNI personnel would continue to conduct door-to- door searches in the area for weapons and ammunition.

A bloody sectarian conflict in the province largely came to an end last year, but it is believed that many residents are still in possession of weapons. -- JP