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)