Over 9,500 still in hiding in Maluku jungle

Over 9,500 still in hiding in Maluku jungle

AMBON, Maluku (JP): As rebuilding starts in riot-torn Maluku,
over 9,500 residents of Tehoru and Weriname regencies on Seram
Island remain in hiding in the jungle and nearby mountain, a
humanitarian group reported recently.

The head of the post handling riot victims on the island, Onny
Walalayo, said the people were part of some 12,000 residents,
mostly Christians, who fled their homes following sectarian riots
at the end of December last year.

The remaining displaced people are being sheltered in North
Seram villages and an Islamic boarding school in Wahai district.

"The refugees, particularly those who ran away into the
jungle, lack food and medicine," Walalayo said. At least seven
people were killed during the escape, he added.

He said security remained the major concern in villages
housing the refugees, because they were vulnerable to attack from
the rivaling group. He also complained that the displaced people
were expected to pay Rp 1,500 for each medical treatment
administered.

At least 32 villages in the regencies of Tehoru and Werinama
were totally destroyed as angry mobs went on the rampage after
Christmas.

Separately, Maluku deputy governor of people's welfare Paula
Renyaan said a rescue operation was underway in Seram jungle and
the nearby mountain. A helicopter has been deployed to help the
mission.

"Dense foliage is making it difficult for us to find the
refugees," Paula said.

Meanwhile, about 1,500 locals of Kariu village on the
neighboring island of Haruku demanded Governor Saleh Latuconsina
allow them to return to their village and rebuild their homes.

"We fled our land a year ago due to widespread rioting. Now it
is occupied by the people who attacked us," the villagers told
Saleh on Thursday. The refugees have been sheltering at
neighboring Aboru village for one year.

The year-long conflict in Maluku has left over 2,000 dead and
thousands more displaced. (49/edt)