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)