Six killed in clash among residents

Six killed in clash among residents

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Six people, including a
five-year-old child, were killed in a clash between residents of
two neighboring villages in Manggarai regency, following a
dispute over the ownership of a plot of land on Saturday.

Manggarai Regent Gaspar Parang Ehok said on Monday the clash
involved Raka and Rentang villagers in Kuwus district. The groups
were equipped with a range of weapons, including spears, blades,
sharpened bamboos and bows and arrows.

Gaspar said the victims were identified as Andreas Maut, 75,
Martinus Ndangu, 74, Damianus Pagu, 53, Agustinus Nurdin, 25, and
Martinus Jebarut, whose age was unknown. The child was identified
as Liolargus Abut.

"Local police had in fact deployed several officers to prevent
them from being involved in a clash. Only two days after the
deployment ceased, however, the clash erupted," Gaspar said.

Chief of Manggarai Police precinct R.M. Lumban Tobing had
ordered the deployment of 20 officers to the area to help prevent
another clash, he said. (yac)