Three more killed in Maluku riots

JAKARTA (JP): Communal clashes in Southeast Maluku continued on Saturday, claiming at least three more lives in Weduarfer, Kei Besar island, a source there said.

"Three were killed and two were severely injured when Muslims attacked and burned down Weduarfer and Rerean villages," the source at the Tual mosque said, requesting anonymity.

Meanwhile on Friday a group of Christians from Oherenan, Weduar and other villages attacked and burnt three nearby Muslim villages, he said.

The source told The Jakarta Post the military had been able to control the situation, although Tual remained deserted and most people in the small city chose not to leave their homes.

"No shops are open and no public vehicles are operating," he said.

Police and military chiefs could not be reached to confirm the reports. On Saturday, AFP reported from Ambon that Southeast Maluku Regent Hussein Rahayan put the death toll at 15 including three who died in the Friday attack.

Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina, Maluku Military chief Col. Karel Ralahalu and Police chief Col. Bugis Saman visited the area on Saturday.

Police and hospital sources said, as of Friday, at least 11 had been killed and 50 injured in the regency since the clashes erupted on Wednesday.

The violence follows similar communal riots in the Maluku capital of Ambon, which left about 200 people dead.

About 13,000 people fleeing violence in Tual and surrounding areas were sheltered at nine centers in the city. Antara reported that 2,500 people were staying at the Dumatubun Air Force base, 2,000 at Tual Navy base, 3,000 at the local police station, and 500 at Fransiscus Xaverius Catholic church.

Refugees complained of food shortages, despite the assurances of Regent Husein Rahayan that he had supplied at least five tons of rice to the shelters. There were also demands for more medical supplies.

"We hope the government will give attention to these refugees," Husein said. (prb)