Religious Figures Asked To Help Control Adonara Conflict

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Oct 3 (ANTARA) - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Frans Lebu Raya has asked religious and community figures to help control the inter-village conflict in Adonara, Flores Timur district. "I have contacted the religious and community figures and asked them to help create safe and convenient situations for the warring people in Adonara," Governor Lebu Raya said here on Wednesday. The governor, who is originally from Adonara, said that he understood the character of Adonara people and deeply deplored the incident. He has also asked Flores Timur district head Yoseph Lagadoni Herin to encourage the local religious and community figures to discuss steps to find the best possible solution to the conflict. "The conflict was triggered by a dispute over a plot of land which is claimed by two different villages. Therefore, communication between various parties should be initiated to reach a decision acceptable to both parties," the governor said. He also called on the local community to avoid using violence to solve the problem and sit at one table to discuss the best possible solution. Lebu Raya expressed hope that security assistance from the police in Maumere and Kupang could bring the situation under control so that the conflicting people of Adonara could resume their normal lives, without fear. Flores Timur deputy district head Valen Tukan said that a platoon of additional Mobile Brigade personnel from Maumere arrived in Adonara on Tuesday evening to ensure security. Tukan noted that the presence of additional security personnel from Maumere was in anticipation of retaliation from the people of Lewobunga village. The conflict between the two villages that broke out on early Tuesday morning left two people seriously injured. Two houses and six food barns were also set on fire. The injured victims, identified as Dominikus Nuho and Hendrikus Asan from Riang Bunga village, are under intensive treatment at Larantuka public hospital.