Mob loots hard liquor from stores

Mob loots hard liquor from stores

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A mob of some 100 people calling
themselves the Wangon District Ukhuwah Muslim Group raided dozens
of stores and kiosks in the district late Saturday, and seized
thousands of bottles of liquor.

"What they did was illegal. No group or person is allowed to
conduct raids except for authorized officers. They have taken the
law into their own hands, and that's called looting!" Banyumas
Police chief Supt. Imam Basuki told journalists after receiving
reports about the incident from vendors.

The group initiated their action by conducting a demonstration
earlier that evening, waving banners emblazoned with: "Respect
the Holy Ramadhan Month, Fight Vice," before ending up looting
thousands of bottles of liquor.

"They stormed our store and took away all of the liquor. We
couldn't do a thing to stop them," one storekeeper said.

Police have promised to take stern action against the group.

"We all agree that liquor has a negative effect on people. But
this is not the way to do it. Their action could spark unrest and
encourage further looting by others," Imam added. (45/edt)