Troublemakers court students

BREBES, Central Java: The authorities here have seized leaflets encouraging students to burn bookstores in protest at the soaring prices.

"There is a strong indication that troublemakers are trying to use students to stir chaos," said local military commander Col. Amirul Isnaeni yesterday.

The authorities have warned students of the invitation to burn bookstores so they will not be fooled by the instigators, Antara reported.

Brebes, together with its neighboring northern Central Java coastal towns of Pekalongan and Tegal, is being closely watched by the military for possible outbreaks of violence sparked by the economic downturn.

The authorities have maintained the high alert level since minor unrest earlier this month. (pan)