Two killed in Poso clash

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Two people were killed and dozens of houses were set ablaze as fresh communal clashes erupted in Lombogia village in the Central Sulawesi town of Poso on Monday.

Antara reported the fatalities were identified as Sunil Marina, 26, and Yanto, 30. An official of the local state-run hospital confirmed that the two died from gunshot wounds.

The spokesman for the Central Sulawesi Police, Capt. Rudi Suprapto, confirmed the incident. He did not confirm the deaths, saying he had yet to receive the report.

Black smog resulting from the arson in some sections of town blanketed the well-known tourist destination. To add to the tension that gripped the small town, schools, shops and government and private offices were closed.

Witnesses said the clashes were still under way around the downtown bus terminal as of Monday afternoon.

They said the fight flared following overnight clashes involving youth groups in Lombogia and Lawanga villages. (emf)