Melee breaks out at E. Timor campus

DILI, East Timor (JP): Soldiers had to step in and fire warning shots when a melee broke out at an East Timor University campus yesterday, resulting in several injuries and 16 people being detained.

East Timor military commander Col. Slamat Sidabutar told The Jakarta Post yesterday evening that two of the 16 detained were not students.

He added that four people were currently being treated at the Wira Husada Military Hospital.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

East Timor Police chief Col. Atok Rismanto confirmed that warning shots had been fired, but he could not say whether some of the injured resulted from stray bullets since doctors had not yet presented a full report.

"We cannot say what caused the injuries, whether it was broken glass or a bullet. What's clear is that up to now there are no reports of fatalities," Atok said.

Eyewitness reports that a male student had been wounded in the neck by a bullet could not be confirmed.

The cause of the fracas which began at around 8:30 a.m. in front of the library on campus grounds remains sketchy.

Antara quoted Atok as saying that four military personnel were abducted and beaten by students when they passed in front of the campus grounds.

He did not say why the students abducted the soldiers. They are being treated at Wira Husada Hospital.

Security officials intervened to help free the four soldiers and warning shots were fired.

Atok maintains that the warning shots were fired according to proper procedures.

He said that a full investigation was currently underway. "Maybe in the near future I can disclose how this all occurred."

In a statement released yesterday, Amnesty International expressed concern at the incident and the fate of those being detained. But they acknowledged that details of the incident are still unclear. (33/mds)