Public cautioned over landmines

AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Soenarko Danu Ardianto called on local residents on Monday to be on the alert for landmines planted in public places, admitting that his department did not have the necessary equipment to detect landmines.

"The residents should be alert because the recent explosions in Suli village were caused by landmines planted on pathways," Soenarko was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said the police would cooperate with the Pattimura Military Command, led by Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso, in tackling the landmine problem.

Soenarko also urged the public to alert security officials if they found anything suspicious, especially in the forest.

At least four people have been killed and eight others injured, including military personnel, by landmines over the past two months in Ambon.

Separately, Djoko said that he was still waiting for a mine detector to be sent from Jakarta. --Antara