Luwu leaders upset over clashes

Luwu leaders upset over clashes

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Luwu regency's public figures lamented the recent communal clashes in North Malangke, in which 137 houses were burned down and four residents killed.

Community leaders Ambas Syam and Madjid Tahir said here on Friday that Cappasolo was a village with potential inhabited by a variety of ethnic groups that had a better standard of living compared with local people.

The two leaders said the clashes in three neighboring villages were triggered by the wide economic gulf between the indigenous people and migrants. They asked the relevant authorities to seek ways to prevent the clashes from spreading to other villages.

Mayor of North Luwu Luthfi Andi Mutty said the situation was under control, but life had not yet returned to normal. --JP