Violence-hit regency still tense

Violence-hit regency still tense

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Tension still engulfed the newly
created regency of Mamasa, some 380 kilometers from the South
Sulawesi capital of Makassar, on Thursday after three deaths in
attacks by rival villagers.

The attacks took place on Monday and Tuesday, and involved
those supporting and those opposing the division of Polewali
Mamasa (Polmas) into two regencies -- Polewali and Mamasa.

On Thursday, both opponents and supporters remained on guard
in their own villagers after widespread rumors that revenge
attacks were imminent, South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen.
Jusuf Manggabarani said.

"However, the security situation is improving," he claimed.

Jusuf said security forces had established roadblocks in the
areas between the feuding villages.

The roadblocks were aimed at preventing the possibility of
further attacks.

At least three opponents of the split have been beaten to
death by the split's supporters, and another person has been
missing since Monday. --JP