Villagers clash over swallow nests

Villagers clash over swallow nests

PADANG, West Sumatra: Dozens have been injured as residents of
two neighboring districts in Solok, some 60 kilometers southeast
of here, fought for the rights to a cave rich with swallow nests.

Four people were reportedly killed in clashes that erupted on
Sunday and continued on Monday, but there was no confirmation
from local authorities or hospitals. At least seven houses, a
police truck and an ambulance were set afire during the melee
involving residents of Sungai Pagu and Sangir districts. The cave
lies in the border area of the two districts.

Witnesses said the masses armed themselves with homemade
rifles, locally known as bedil balansa, and sharp weapons.

The violence broke out when some 1,000 armed people of Sangir
went to Sungai Pagu following a rumor of an imminent attack by
their rivals. "We initiated an assault before they did," one of
the Sangir residents said.

Mass brawls exploded as hundreds of Sungai Pagu people blocked
their Sangir rivals near a bridge that separates the two
subdistricts. Some people escaped to forests, and their situation
remains unclear.

Provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Didy Kusumayadi regretted
the conflict. He expected the regency administration to quickly
solve the dispute. (28)