Timor military apologizes for church incident
Timor military apologizes for church incident
DILI, Timor Timur (JP): Local Military Commandant Col. Jhony
J. Lumintang has apologized to local Catholics for a recent
incident in which two Armed Forces (ABRI) members trampled on the
bread they received from the preacher at a church in Remexio
village near here.
"Leaders as well as members of the ABRI never expected such an
incident, and therefore we are deeply concerned over the Remexio
incident," Lumintang told journalists Wednesday night.
According to witnesses, the incident, which happened on June
28, had angered the Santo Yoseph Remexio church's worshipers, who
then attacked the officers before they escaped.
Lumintang said ABRI personnel were in Remexio to help build a
road. "They entered the church because they were curious. They
shouldn't have gone in because they didn't know the ritual," he
added.
Meanwhile, Timor Timur Governor Abilio J.O. Soares asked all
parties to stay calm so as not to muddle the situation and spark
social unrest.
"As a Catholic, of course I'm deeply concerned over the
incident. As Governor, I would ask all Catholics to put national
unity above all," he said.
"I hope journalists won't always focus on stories which may
incite the emotions of the people. Please be wise in
disseminating news so that peace can be maintained here," the
governor said.
Abilio stated that he was sure the military will take the
necessary actions to maintain harmony in the province.
Lumintang said Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Adang
Rukiatna, whose territory includes Bali, Nusa Tenggara and Timor
Timur, had asked him to deal with the two officers involved in
the incident in line with the pertaining law.
Commenting on reports that the ABRI had arrested 11 villagers
from Remexio, Lumintang stated that it had not. He said the issue
was espoused by people who oppose Timor Timur's integration with
Indonesia.
Farmer
Lumintang also confirmed that a member of the Armed Forces
posted in the village of Asulua Raimeta in Ermera, some 75
kilometers west of here, had unintentionally shot a farmer.
He said the accidental shooting of Mario Boromeo, 35, happened
on June 28 at 7:30 p.m. local time when the victim was opening an
irrigation water gate in his field.
However, Lumintang did not elaborate on how the incident
happened.
When asked about rumors that 12 ABRI personnel had raped a
young girl in the same village days before the shooting,
Lumintang challenged the journalist to prove it.
"If there is no proof, how can I say there has been a rape. It
must be another lie spread by an anti-integration group,"
Lumintang said. (yac/11)