Two more killed in renewed Ambon clashes

AMBON (JP): In one of the most bloody weeks since the start of communal clashes earlier this year, another two people died on Sunday in fresh violence here, raising the number of dead since Friday to 40.

Sunday's clash came after two days of violence which has claimed the lives of least 38 people in a new surge of sectarian unrest in the Maluku islands.

Over 550 have died since January.

The latest incident erupted in the predominantly Christian area of Mardika and the mixed Christian-Muslim district of Perigi at about 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Hospital staff members said Bintarati Taela, a 23-year-old woman, was killed by gunshot wounds in Mardika while three others were injured.

Meanwhile, Maluku Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela was quoted by Antara as saying that an intelligence policeman, Sgt. La Ali, was killed by gunshot wounds in Perigi.

At least 15 civilians, three policemen, four marines and an army soldier were reportedly wounded in clashes in Perigi.

"A marine soldier Sgt. Guntur and a member of the local military command Sgt. Bambang are in critical condition in Latumeten military hospital," Tamaela said.

Guntur was badly injured by a bullet wound in the back while Bambang was shot in the head. Guntur is expected to be evacuated to Surabaya, East Java, on Monday and Bambang to Jakarta.

The causes of the latest unrest are still unclear, but it is believed that Friday's violence may have prompted the latest clashes.

When asked about allegations that soldiers may have been involved in sparking the incident, Tamaela said he had instructed local military police to pursue the matter, however, there has yet to be any evidence to support these accusations.

"We'll go after it until evidence can be found," he said.

"It could be that certain irresponsible elements of the Indonesian Military or police maybe involved in this unrest which all began on Jan. 19 in Ambon," he remarked.

As night descended on the city, the situation remained tense. Few people dared to venture out of their homes. Makeshift barricades now occupy several strategic locations around the city and groups of armed men were seen roaming the streets.

The local district police headquarters and nearby police housing complex were also attacked in Sunday's riot.

Police members were said to be evacuating their families to safer places.

The Maluku islands have witnessed religious violence since the beginning of the year. Tens of thousands of people have fled to other provinces. (48/byg)