Two villagers shot dead in Kendari

Two villagers shot dead in Kendari

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Police in Landogi subdistrict, Kolaka regency opened fire on hundreds of villagers occupying a local cocoa plantation, killing at least two and wounding 30 others.

The bloody incident broke out at about 11 a.m. local time. The villagers, who were preparing for lunch and pitching tents in the plantation, said they were surprised at the arrival of two trucks carrying members of the National Police's Mobile Brigade.

The police fired warning shots, but the demonstrators refused to move, causing a violent clash to ensue.

No local officials were available for comment. The victims were rushed to the nearest hospital.--Antara