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