Police Arrest Seven Over Sampang Violence

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Police have arrested seven people allegedly involved in the attack against Shiite Muslims in Sampang district, Madura Island, East Java Province.

"As of now, seven people have been detained as suspects. Only at a later stage was the mastermind, "R", arrested. And there are three others who are yet to be arrested. Hopefully, we can get them as soon as possible," National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo said at the Presidential office here on Monday.

He added that the government was planning to take appropriate and stern legal action in order to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

"The police have deployed more officers in Sampang with the assistance of the Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI). Meanwhile, the legal process is being carried out," Timur stated.

A number of Shiite Muslims fled their villages after a mob of Islamic hardliners attacked them and set their houses on fire in Nangkernang, Karanggayam village, Omben sub-district, Sampang.

Two Shiite Muslims were reported killed and scores of others were injured in the incident in Omben on Sunday.(IGT/T007)