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)