Two civilians killed in E. Timor

Two civilians killed in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: Local military chief Col. Mahidin Simbolon
said yesterday that he has ordered an investigation into news
that troops killed two civilians in Viqueque, 200 kilometers east
of here, on Aug. 24.

Initial reports said that the two victims, identified as
Inacio da Silva and Manuel da Silva, were shot and killed when
they were hunting deer with other villagers, Simbolon said.

According to Simbolon, the group of people were seen in an
area that the security authorities know is a stronghold of
Fretilin rebels.

"My officers addressed them but there was no reply... They
(the officers) then opened fire and two died on the spot,"
Simbolon said. "I promise to conduct a thorough investigation
into the incident."

An eyewitness, Mario Soares, 36, said the incident happened at
about 9 a.m. on Aug. 24 when the group of nine people was hunting
in a forest.

Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo said he had also received a
report on the incident from relatives of the victims. "We deeply
regret it," he said. (yac)