Six arrested in West Timor riot

Six arrested in West Timor riot

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Six people have been arrested
on charges of inciting a riot Monday in Kafemananu, West Timor,
200 kilometers east of here, police said yesterday.

East Nusa Tenggara police inspector Colonel Taufik S. said 19
people, including three police officers, were injured and a
market burned down in the riot Monday night.

Two hundred migrants from Java and South Sulawesi who were
working at a construction site belonging to PT Adhi Karya had
since sought refuge at the local police and military stations,
Taufik said.

The riot began when a group of youths attacked 16 workers from
Atambua who had just arrived at the site in Kafemananu. The 16
were still in hospital yesterday.

Shortly after the attack, about 200 people raided the market
and set fire to it, Antara news agency reported.

The migrant workers fled to the police and military station
Tuesday morning.

Sources at Kefamenanu hospital said the conditions of the 16
workers were stable. One of the injured police officers was
identified as First Lieutenant Aloysius.

Officials in Kupang said the authorities were still wondering
what had caused the incident.

Many shops remained closed in Kafemananu yesterday. Police and
soldiers were seen on the streets to maintain order. (yac/pan)