Tallo tells Ruteng people to be calm

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): East Nusa Tenggara Governor Pieter A. Tallo called for calm on Monday and warned that anyone found to have been involved in the recent violence which claimed two lives in Ruteng, Flores, would be punished.

He asked that all levels of society in the province not allow themselves to be provoked into action that would further worsen the situation.

Speaking to journalists in Kupang on Monday, the governor also said anyone staying overnight in a village must report to local authorities, especially neighborhood chiefs. "In this way, suspicion that can lead to unnecessary clashes can be avoided."

The violence in Ruteng on Sunday led to two deaths and left six people hospitalized. A police officer was also injured in the riot. The deceased were identified as Sukarno, 32, and Sunarto, 30.

The regent of Manggarai, Antony Bagul Dagur, told The Jakarta Post three people had been arrested for allegedly instigating the fatal clash.

According to Antony, the violence began when Sukarno, Sunarto and another man, who were selling spring beds from the back of a pickup, were accused by locals of feeding rabies-infected bread to a dog.

As the rumor spread, residents gave chase to the three men, who fled to the local police station for protection. Thousands of residents destroyed the police station in their efforts to reach the three men.

The mob eventually forced its way into the station and proceeded to attack the three men. They also damaged the men's truck and 12 motorcycles belonging to local residents. (yac/sur)