Muslims, Christians patrol churches

Muslims, Christians patrol churches

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Muslims and Christians in the district
of Ampana Kota in Poso regency have been patrolling churches in
the area following the explosion at a church in the area on
Monday.

Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Agus Sugianto
confirmed the explosion on Wednesday, saying that "it was only a
molotov cocktail". No one was arrested over the blast.

He said that the night patrol conducted by both Muslims and
Christians was conducted by local residents in anticipation of
further attacks.

Quoting reports from Poso Police chief Sr. Comr. Djasman Baso,
Agus said that the explosion took place at the back of a Roman
Catholic church on Jl. Salimu, in the Ventaga subdistrict.

"Part of the house of the church guard was damaged. No one was
injured," Agus said, adding that he had no idea if the explosion
was linked to the sectarian clashes which had struck Poso
recently.

Hundreds of people were killed in Poso when a series of
clashes between Muslims and Christians erupted.

The trial of people believed to have masterminded the clashes
is ongoing in Poso. (24/sur)