Three dead, 60 wounded in clashes between Christians and Muslims
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
AMBON, INDONESIA (Worthy News)– The toll from recent clashes between Christians and Muslims in Ambon, capital of the Moluccas, is three dead and 60 wounded.
The violence was triggered during the funeral of taxi driver Darkin Saimen — who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a house – by a rumor that Saimen was attacked by a group of Christians!
Gen. Anton Bahrul Alam, national police spokesman, said the autopsy confirmed that Saimen’s death was accidental.
“The doctors found no sign of violence,” said Alam, who declined to name the fighting factions, avoiding any mention of their respective religions.
“These groups are known (for their mutual hostility) for some time,” said Alam. “We will not mention their names, but we assure you that the situation is now come back under control.”
Violents clashes between Christians and Muslims in the Moluccas are nothing new; in 1999, thousands of Muslim settlers sparked conflicts that continued unabated until 2002, resulting in 9,000 deaths. The signing of the Malino Peace Treaty in 2002 ended the sectarian strife.