Violence flares in Ambon after Megawati departure
Violence flares in Ambon after Megawati departure
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Two men were killed here on Wednesday only
hours after Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri left the
provincial capital on a two-day visit aimed at effecting peace in
the prolonged sectarian conflict.
The men were killed in Waihaong district.
Berti Diaz, 22, from Batu Meja and Rido Nikijuluw died from
stab wounds to the right sides of their abdomens.
A junior high school student, Nikson Bahong, was among those
injured in the fray. He is being treated at Dr. Haulussy General
Hospital. A woman, Marlene Lesilolo, a man identified as Elvin
Diaz and another unidentified man also were hurt.
Ironically the violence erupted as youths from several warring
neighborhoods in Ambon -- Kuda Mati, Batu Merah, Galunggung and
Waihalong -- met to try to resolve their differences.
As a show of solidarity for the meeting, a parade of pedicabs
and youths was held. However, a mob suddenly attacked the parade.
The situation remained tense until late on Wednesday as troops
tried to disperse the mob and save people trapped in the melee.
Megawati
The Vice President and her entourage of 10 Cabinet ministers
and military commanders earlier held a gathering with local
religious and community leaders at Nusantara field in Masohi,
Seram island.
She then flew to Morotai Air Base to visit refugees before
traveling to riot-torn Galela and Tobelo districts in North
Maluku.
She left for Jakarta from Morotai Air Base on Wednesday
evening.
In her message to the people of Masohi, which was the site of
violence last week, Megawati stressed the importance of self-
restraint and awareness in maintaining harmony.
"The Masohi incident which happened only a days before my
visit was created by certain parties who do not wish to see peace
here. So please, stay united," Megawati said.
"It's useless for the government to strive to achieve peace if
the people do not wish to do so."
Megawati said her stay overnight aboard KRI Arun battleship
was merely for practical reasons.
"It's not because I'm afraid of the condition here. I have to
visit so many places in two days so it was easier for me to move
(by staying onboard)," she explained. (48/49/edt)