More violence in Ujungpandang

More violence in Ujungpandang

UJUNGPANDANG (JP): Two people were injured and dozens of
traffic lights vandalized in violence here yesterday which marred
Golkar's third campaign round.

Thousands of Golkar supporters smashed traffic lights and
vandalized two vans after a rally in Sambungjawa soccer field.

It was the second day of mob violence in the town. On Sunday,
United Development Party (PPP) supporters ran amuck, vandalizing
a car and more than 20 shops.

In one of yesterday's incidents, two Golkar supporters were
mobbed while in a convoy in Ujungtanah subdistrict, a PPP
stronghold.

Eyewitnesses said hundreds of Ujungtanah residents threw
stones at the Golkar convoy.

The residents caught Sunandar, 27, and Udin, 41, beat them up
and stripped them of their yellow Golkar T-shirts, which they
tore apart.

The crowd dispersed after police arrived. Sunandar and Udin
were taken to hospital.

Golkar supporters vandalized traffic lights along the city's
main streets. The authorities said they were still estimating the
damage bill.

Troops and police blocked streets with trucks to prevent
Golkar supporters entering strategic zones and other parties'
strongholds.

Local military chief Maj. Gen. Agum Gumelar and police chief
Brig. Gen. Ali Hanafiah said the authorities had the situation
under control.

Military officers have vowed to take a harsh punitive actions
against people caught vandalizing public property during the
campaign.

Local PPP leaders threatened yesterday to boycott the campaign
tomorrow unless the authorities investigated a brawl they said
Golkar activists started with PPP supporters Sunday.

Golkar's campaign in the city featured Amiruddin, a native of
South Sulawesi and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives
in Jakarta.

Amiruddin, a former South Sulawesi governor, promised that
Golkar would help improve locals' living standards.

Golkar campaigns in Palu, Central Sulawesi, yesterday featured
Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman, other top government officials
and businessman Fadel Muhammad. (31/37/30/pan)