Three killed as more violence erupts in Poso

Three killed as more violence erupts in Poso

PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Three people were killed and 15
others injured while scores of houses were set ablaze in fierce
clashes that erupted in the town of Poso on Tuesday.

The three victims were identified as Sgt. Maj. Kamaluddin Ali,
policeman; and Abdul Syukur and Baba, residents of MoEngko Baru
village, Antara reported.

The clash on Tuesday was the second this year after religious
unrest claimed two lives on April 17.

The medical team examining the dead bodies said that the three
died from severe stab wounds. Abdul Syukur died at the Poso state
hospital, while the other two probably died at the "battle
ground."

Police and military personnel refused to reveal the chronology
of the communal clash, but several unofficial sources said the
riot began after a large group of people attacked several
security posts in a residential area. It was not clear if the
clash was motivated by religious sentiment.

Central Sulawesi police confirmed the violence, but could
confirm only one fatality.

"We were informed by Poso Police Precinct about the death of
Kamaluddin Ali at 8:00 a.m.," First Lt. Ishak was quoted by
Antara as saying.

Chief of the Poso Military District Command Lt. Budiardjo was
not available for confirmation.

An officer at the military office told The Jakarta Post by
phone that Budihardjo was in Makassar to report the rioting to
the Wirabuana Military Command chief.

"Please contact the Poso Police Precinct, Pak Budiardjo is in
Makassar," the officer said.

However, the Poso Police Precinct was not available for
comment.

Poso was still tense in the evening and hundreds of people,
mostly women and children, sought refuge at military and police
offices in Poso. (27/sur)