Warehouses gutted as fishermen run amok

Warehouses gutted as fishermen run amok

MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Approximately 1,000 rampaging
fishermen looted and burned down two warehouses in the port of
Gabion Belawan, 25 kilometers from Medan, on Tuesday.

No fatalities were reported in the incident, which occurred at
about midday, but dozens of injuries were reported.

The cause of the incident is unclear, but there is speculation
that fishermen and local residents ran amok after siding with a
local fisherman in a heated argument with one of the warehouse
caretakers.

The warehouse, owned by PT Karya Agung, was used to store
fishing equipment and fish on their way to market.

At least four fire engines were sent from Medan to help put
out the fire, however, they initially had trouble reaching the
port, as the mob had blocked the street 500 meters before the
warehouse and pelted the firemen who tried to pass with stones.

One fire engine was left stranded when it was attacked by the
mob. Its windows were broken and the firemen were forced to flee.

There were unconfirmed reports that another building was also
set ablaze and about 12 fishing boats were either damaged or
burned.

Several Police Mobile Brigade companies were dispatched to the
scene, however, they found it difficult to control the mob.

Witnesses said police were forced to fire warning shots to
disperse the crowd and stop them attacking other buildings.

At least one fisherman was seen being rushed to a nearby
hospital, after being hit in the waist by a stray bullet.

Police were finally able to control the crowd after 3 p.m.,
and are now conducting an investigation into the matter.

According to several residents, tension had been brewing for
sometime, as the fishermen had been feeling increasingly
frustrated with their poverty and with having to compete with
large modern trawlers owned by wealthy businessmen. (39)