More killed in latest Saparua clashes

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)