Sand diggers go on rampage

Sand diggers go on rampage

MAGELANG, Central Java: Some 200 sand diggers in Jurangjero
village here burned 13 excavating machines and an office
belonging to a quarry company on Tuesday.

Two employees of the firm, Jumino, 16, and Rochmadi, 24, were
injured during the attack, which followed a dispute over
quarrying areas. The wounded workers were admitted to Muntilan
hospital.

Local police estimated financial losses resulting from the
fray at Rp 10 billion.

"The traditional sand diggers were upset because the company
took over the area where they used to make their living from,"
First Lt. Rudito of Magelang Police said.

Foe a long time local people have quarried sand and marbles
thrown up by Mount Merapi, but were classified as illegal due to
the absence of local government's licenses.

A meeting between residents and local government officials on
Wednesday concluded that the traditional sand diggers would be
awarded a plot to quarry. (har/edt)