Two killed, 10 injured in fresh Dili rioting

DILI, East Timor (JP): Two people were killed, 10 were injured and three police officers were taken hostage in fresh rioting involving pro- and anti-government groups on Monday and Tuesday.

The casualties in this latest outbreak of violence were announced by East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares yesterday.

This seaside provincial capital, the scene of violent religious and ethnic violence last month, was still tense yesterday as security officers were put on full alert.

Many schools and shops were closed and government offices were deserted as townspeople were gripped by fear of another wave of clashes between the rival gangs.

In response to Abilio's call for order, local military chief Col. Mahidin Simbolon guaranteed yesterday that he would restore peace to the town in two days.

East Timor police chief, Col. Andreas Sugianto, said in a press conference attended by Abilio and Simbolon that "several" rioters had been arrested.

"We have identified all the rioters. We will summons them if we think it's necessary," he said. "If they defy the summons, we will forcibly pick them up."

Governor Abilio said the rioting involved a gang led by Boby Xavier, whom security authorities have identified as an anti- integration activist, and another led by Alexio Cobra.

Abilio said the gang war flared on Saturday after Alexio attacked Xavier and vandalized his car for reasons as yet unknown. The clashes between the rival gangs continued throughout Saturday night and the town was still tense yesterday, he added.

Those killed in Tuesday's clash were identified as Salomau da Costa Soares, an employee of the provincial public works office, and Sertanio Araujo, whom the authorities have yet to identify further.

Legislator Manuel Carrascalao, who said he intervened in the clash, had a different version events.

According to Carrascalao, the trouble began on Monday morning when Xavier resisted arrest on the basis that the police did not have the necessary arrest warrant.

Xavier, whom police said was involved in the well-known 1991 bloody anti-integration demonstration at Dili's Santa Cruz cemetery, was finally overpowered, he said. Then his angry sympathizers attacked policemen, taking three hostage and vowing not to release them until Xavier was freed, he added.

Abductors

The abductors released the three officers on Tuesday after the military and pro-integration activists put pressure on Xavier's gang. But the kidnappers warned that the authorities would also have to free Xavier, according to Carrascalao, a member of the provincial legislative council, where he represents the ruling Golkar party.

Governor Abilio urged the authorities to act firmly against those involved in the fresh wave of rioting. "I insist that the military chief restore the town to peace," Abilio said.

He said force should be used if the trouble-makers resist. "The law must be upheld," he said. (yac/pan)