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)