Schools still shut after brawls

Schools still shut after brawls

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Two weeks after 26 people died in
brawls between the residents of two villages, shops, offices and
schools in Waikabubak, West Sumba, on the island of Sumba have
yet to reopen, Antara reported on Thursday.

The secretary to the provincial administration, Sabinus
Kantus, said many residents who fled the area in fear had yet to
return. "Offices and schools are still closed. Students and
teachers alike have yet to return," he said.

The news agency said that even some nurses had abandoned
Waikabubak Hospital, leaving patients without adequate care.

Kantus conceded that the government needs to resolve the long-
standing animosity and conflict between the two tribes so that
people in the area can get on with their everyday lives.

The violence earlier this month was linked to ethnic tension
between the Loli and Wewewa Timur tribes.