Purwokerto stays on red alert

Purwokerto stays on red alert

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A security red alert is still in
effect for Purwokerto and surrounding areas due to the escalating
number of people beaten to death by mobs, a military official
said on Thursday.

Purwokerto Regional Military chief Muhammad Noer Muis said
mobs had so far killed nine people they suspected of being
"ninjas" killers. Marauding bands of murderers in East and
Central Java have been dubbed ninjas because they often wear
hoods and are garbed in black.

He hoped locals from all walks of life could improve their
security system in their respective business and residential
areas, including by performing neighborhood patrols.

"I hope people will not overreact to strangers because they
are not always ninjas," Muis told The Jakarta Post.

He said seven of the dead victims were from Pemalang while the
two others were residents of Banyumas.

Muis said he had instructed his subordinates to accept people
seeking refuge at the military posts.

Ninja killers are believed to be responsible for murdering
about 180 people in Java, primarily in Banyuwangi. The killings
were first reported in September. (45/jun)