Police kill protest leader

BONDOWOSO, East Java: One villager was killed and four policemen injured during a clash between the two groups in Bendoarum village, Wonosari subdistrict, Bondowoso regency, East Java on Friday.

The clash erupted when armed villagers attempted to stop around 80 police officers from executing a court decision on a disputed plot of land on Thursday.

The residents condoned off the area, but the police insisted on carrying out their orders.

The police later fired shots to disperse the crowd, killing the protesters' leader, identified only as Tolak.

Tolak died hours after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

After the clash, the villagers targeted the house of Sakati, 61, who won the legal dispute and gained control of the 0.321- hectare plot of land.

The attack ended after police Mobile Brigade personnel arrived at the scene and dispersed the angry crowd.

Bondowoso Police detained at least 18 people as suspects in the attack and released 15 others.

Seven other villagers are wanted for their alleged role in provoking the clash. --Antara