Hundreds of Shia Believers Still Take Refuge

VIVAnews - Following arson committed by Islamic Sunni group in Sampang, Madura, East Java, toward homes and house of worship belonging to Shia believers, Indonesian police and military personnel are still on guard to anticipate further conflicts. 

"Many houses are still left empty as the residents are still taking refuge," said Chief of Sampang Police Department, Adj. Chief. Comm. Solehan. 

Solehan said hundreds of villagers of Shia believers fled their homes to safer places. Earlier, the refugees stayed at the office of subdistrict head. However, as the numbers increased, they were relocated. 

Center for Marginalized Communities Studies (CMARS) of Surabaya said the conflict in Sampang has been on and off since 2004. It climaxed yesterday as an Islamic boarding school (pesantren) of Shia believers was burnt by around 500 people of Sunni group. 

CMARS stated that it was the second time that the arson took place in December 2011. Earlier, the arson targeted a house of Shia follower in Blu'uran Village, Sampang, Dec 20. 

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Coverage by: Tuji Martudji | Surabaya