Two more killed in renewed Ambon clashes
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)