One hurt in Purwokerto clash

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A bystander was injured when Golkar party security guards clashed with residents on Thursday, witnesses said on Friday.

The incident happened near the railway station as Golkar supporters took over a busy two-lane street causing a traffic jam. They were offended by residents who asked them to only use one lane to help the traffic flow.

In a bitter argument, a Golkar security guard attacked a resident, identified as Bambang, with a knife, said Winarjo, an eyewitness.

Bambang received three stitches for his head injury. Residents said they would file complaints with the local election supervisory committee over the incident.

Chief of the Golkar Banyumas branch office Sri Supangat said security guards were acting in self-defense after residents blocked the party supporters' way. (45)