Rumors cause pillaging

SURABAYA, East Java: East Java Governor Imam Utomo Suparno said here yesterday that attacks on rice mills and stores which broke out in several areas in the province were caused by false reports spread by irresponsible parties about free rice distribution.

Inquiries made by local authorities concluded that rumors had been purposely spread and later a mob became furious and started stealing rice and other basic necessaries after they could not get the much hoped for goods, the governor said as quoted by Antara.

Imam said some 200 looters were in police custody and local authorities were investigating who had spread the false reports.

There is the possibility that the looting was organized and carried out after thorough planning and could have been aimed at creating disturbances in the province, Imam claimed.

At least six shops selling basic commodities and two rice mills were pillaged by thousands of looters in separate incidents in Asembagus, Jangkar and Kapongan subdistrict Friday afternoon.