Policemen sent for fear of new violence in Poso

PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Police have been dispatched to Tentena, a town about 50 kilometers south of Poso, and Ampana subdistrict in Poso following Monday's outbreak of violence, which resulted in at least 100 houses being burned down.

The dispatch of police personnel was intended to prevent the widening of further violence in the area, Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Sugianto said on Tuesday in Palu, Central Sulawesi's capital.

Monday's violence was centered in the areas of Ampana and Malino, some 50 km east of Poso.

According to Sugianto, Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Zainal Abidin Ishak had given clear instructions that the shoot-on-sight prerogative against rioters and attackers was still in effect.

"Policemen are allowed to shoot on sight only if rioters and attackers ignore prior warnings they have been given," Sugianto explained.

Zainal is expected to visit Poso on Wednesday to install Adj. Sr. Comr. Ungung Cahyono as Poso Resort Police chief, replacing Adj. Sr. Comr. Djasman Baso Opu, who will occupy the new post as Palu Police chief.

The latest report from Poso said that another victim, Julian Pontoh, 40, was found at Buyumboyo, Poso Kota subdistrict, on Monday afternoon.

It is believed that Julian failed to escape the fire which tore through her house as she died from her burn wounds. (24)