Two die in E. Timor clash

Two die in E. Timor clash

LIQUICA, East Timor: Two men were killed in a clash between
prointegration and proindependence groups over the weekend. Ten
others were injured and eight homes were set on fire.

The fatalities were identified as Francisco of Vatubou village
in Maubara district and Felis of Dato village in Liquica
district.

Their affiliations were not known.

Military command chief Capt. Purwanto said the clash began on
Saturday when the home of a military command member was set on
fire by a proindependence group. The home of a Liquica official
also was ransacked, he said.

On Sunday he said a quarrel started between members of both
groups. About 25 members of the Red-and-White Iron (BMP)
prointegration group requested protection from the military
command.

He added the proindependence group attacked the Vatubou
village, and the BMP retaliated.

Thousands of villagers fled, with about 1,000 taking refuge at
the local church, as well as the military command and the home of
regent Leonito Martins. Hundreds of others have fled to the cover
of forests, and activities in Liquica have stopped.

Local priest Rafael dos Santos regretted the military also
fired shots, causing panic among residents. "I'm confused because
the military is supposed to be neutral," he said.

At night, BMP members were reportedly joined by the police and
the military on patrol. (33)