Uneasy calm returns to riot-torn Poso

Uneasy calm returns to riot-torn Poso

PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Riot-torn Poso passed the weekend
in relative calm as a peace pact between warring camps took
effect under the watchful eyes of some 1,500 troops deployed in
the area.

"Security forces managed to quell any possible outbreak and
secure the areas occupied by armed mobs, especially in restive
Tentena subdistrict in North Pamona," spokesman of the peace task
force Lt. Agus Salim of Wirabuana Military Command said on
Sunday.

Roadblocks have been removed from main roads connecting the
cities of Makassar, Mangkutana and Palu, which were occupied by
groups of rioters in the past few weeks, he added.

"We hope that starting on Monday people can go back to their
normal daily and economic activities," Agus said in Poso, some
220 kilometers southeast of Palu.

The officer, however, said that security forces remained on
alert to prevent further rioting in areas prone to fighting
between Muslims and Christians, such as South Pamona.

The suspension in violence also means that residents can take
stock of the horrifying violence of the past three weeks.

Wirabuana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro said
that since rioting first broke out on May 23, 123 people had been
confirmed dead.

"This figure is temporary," he said. "It could swell to double
that."

The violence also prompted some 13,000 terrified residents to
flee to local military and government buildings, where they
continue to reside.

While Poso was calm, Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku,
saw another victim fall on Sunday.

Stevanus, 41, was killed when troops fired warning shots
during an incident which broke out shortly after men armed with
automatic rifles on five speedboats sprayed bullets at the docks
in Poka and Galala, Ambon.

A policeman in the area returned fire. But several soldiers
then approached the policeman and chided him for firing. This
brought the ire of the crowd who then proceeded to beat up one of
the soldiers.

In an attempt to disperse the crowd, the soldiers fired
warning shots, one of which hit Stevanus.

Stevanus was rushed to Halong Navy Hospital, where he was
pronounced dead. (27/49/edt)