Man shot dead, young girl wounded in Ambon clash

Man shot dead, young girl wounded in Ambon clash

AMBON, Maluku (JP): A man was shot to dead and a young girl
was severely wounded during the latest clash in the troubled
city.

The outbreak, allegedly involving security troops, occurred on
Sunday in the Batumerah subdistrict.

The victim, identified as James Lungan, 25, was shot just 500
meters from his house, witnesses said.

He died on the spot.

A nurse at Dr. Haulussy Hospital said an initial examination
showed that Lungan died of bullet wounds.

The other victim, Berhitu, 15, was also rushed to Dr. Haulussy
Hospital where she received treatment.

Throughout the year ethnic and religious tensions have been
high causing almost endless clashes which have claimed over 500
lives.

It is unclear how Sunday's shooting began. Witnesses said the
Batumerah area was generally quiet before shots were heard at
about 4 p.m.

"There was a clash occurring in another area, which was six
kilometers from Batumerah," said a witnesses who asked not to be
named.

However, as a result of the shooting a clash did erupt later
and continued till late Sunday night.

Pistos Noya, a lawyer representing churches in the area called
for an immediate pullout of army personnel which he alleged were
involved in the shooting.

"Leave security to the marine troops," Pistos said on Sunday
evening.

The Army, however, could not confirm the shootings.

Lt. Col. Hoedie Irianto, the commander of the Armed 11
battalion, said that his troops and those from the Siliwangi
battalion were responsible for security in the Batumerah area
that evening.

However, he could not confirm the shooting incidents.

"Ask the Siliwangi commander for confirmation on the
shooting," he remarked.

Commanders from the Siliwangi battalions could not be
contacted on Sunday night. (48/04)