Police slam new religious groups

Police slam new religious groups

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani
criticized on Friday the establishment of new organizations along
religious lines, saying the trend runs counter to the drive to
restore peace between Muslims and Christians in the province.

"Such exclusive organizations would hamper reconciliation
efforts as they sharpen differences between the communities," he
said.

At least two new organizations have emerged in the last two
weeks. One is called the Seram Island Muslim Solidarity and the
other the Leihitu Huamual Muslim Intellectuals in Ambon.

Firman said the establishment of groups along religious lines
would force the other religious community to set up its own.

But he added his belief that these exclusive organizations
were set up in response to the continuing injustice and violence
from the conflict in Maluku.

"We need to hold peaceful talks to bridge the two communities'
aspirations and foster mutual understanding," he said.

Greater understanding could end the violence, he added.

Firman's appeal for dialog appeared to have fallen on deaf
ears with violence continuing in Ambon on Friday.

The Civil Emergency Post in Ambon said gunshots and explosions
were heard on Jl. Diponegoro, in Mardika and Batumerah in the
Sirimau district, and in Tanah Lapang Kecil in the Nusaniwe
district.

There were no reports of fatalities in the attacks.

The Maranatha Communication Post in Sirimau said dozens of
armed men from Kelapa Dua village on Seram island attacked a
passenger bus when it passed through the area.

Twenty-three passengers who were injured were rushed to the
Kairatu General Hospital.

The Maluku Civil Emergency Post confirmed the attack and said
that it had asked the Ambon Military District Command to send
reinforcement troops to maintain security in the area. (49/lup)