ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/10/2004 19:09:08
Thousands flee homes after South Sulawesi fighting
Police in Indonesia say thousands of people have fled their homes following fighting in
South Sulawesi.
Paramilitary police reinforcements have been sent to the area, in the district of
Polewali Mamasa.
At least two people were killed in the fighting and scores of houses were burned to the
ground.
Police say the violence erupted on Friday and focused around the village of Aralle
Utara.
The dispute is between supporters and opponents of a 2002 law change splitting the
Polewali Mamasa district into two.
The village of Aralle is set be included in the newly-formed district of Mamasa, but
many of the villagers oppose the move.
The Kompas daily says the violence started after a banner opposing the new district
was torn down.
It quotes local residents as saying that at least 47 houses were burned down.
17/10/2004 19:09:08 | ABC Radio Australia News
©2004 ABC
|
