More killed in latest Saparua clashes
AMBON, Maluku (JP): The bloodshed which has swept across Saparua island in Central Maluku continued over the weekend, as dozens of people were killed in two clashes which erupted on Saturday, according to witnesses.
The first clash occurred between the villages of Kulur and Pia on Saturday morning and reportedly involved mortars and grenade launchers.
An employee at Saparua General Hospital, Y. Paranua, said on Sunday four residents were killed and 27 others injured in the violence, including two police officers assigned to guard Pia village.
The secretary of Klasis Church, Rev. Manopo, said that according to information he obtained from Saparua district officials and the police, many public facilities, including a local health unit, the community hall and an elementary school building, and about 70 houses were razed in the violence.
"Sixty percent of Pia village was burned down," he said.
The second clash, according to Saparua district chief Felix Leunura, occurred hours later and involved residents of Iha, Ihamahu and Noloth villages.
The Joint Secretariat for the Islamic Umat in Ambon claimed at least eight people died and three others were injured in this clash.
The secretariat said areas of Iha village were razed, forcing 456 residents to take refuge in Tulehu village, Salahutu district, Central Ambon.
The reasons behind these latest clashes remain unclear, but it is believed the violence is connected to two clashes which have taken place on the island since Wednesday. These earlier battles claimed at least three lives.
Saparua island is located east of Ambon island.
Due to the recent violence, the military has now taken over security on the island.
Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa confirmed on Saturday he had been ordered by Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina to take over security from police.
I Made said his first move would be to deploy three companies of personnel which will include troops from the Navy, Army and Air Force. They were expected to arrive on Saturday evening.
I Made further said the military would not take sides in restoring security and order on the island.
Observers previously expressed concern the conflict in Maluku continued to drag on because of the involvement of military personnel.
Maluku Police Chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani also called on the public to accept the presence of military troops in the area, and not to assume they were partial in carrying out their duties.
He said the involvement of the military was helpful because the police had limited personnel, which he said was the main obstacle to the police effectively securing the area. (49/lup)