Rumors cause pillaging

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.