East Timor Violence Clouds Independence Rallies 🇹🇱

(26 Aug 1999) English/Nat

Violence has marred a rowdy gathering of thousands of anti-independence supporters just days before the troubled territory votes on its future.

Tensions are high in the eastern area of Dili ahead of Monday's historic U-N supervised vote which will offer East Timor the choice of independence or becoming an autonomous region within Indonesia.

APTN pictures show a bloody attack on pro-Indonesian supporters by independence campaigners and of the aftermath of an earlier attack that resulted in injuries and burnt property.

The upsurge in violence in East Timor reflects heightened tensions ahead of Mondays' poll.

The lead-up to the ballot has so far been marred by attacks and threats against civilians and U-N staff by militias opposed to independence.

Independence activists and the United Nations have accused some sections of the military of aiding and arming gangs that have killed dozens of villagers.

Emotions are running out of control between the rival factions.

In the eastern area of Dili a mob of Pro-independence supporters set upon two Anti-Independence Indonesian supporters.

Daily clashes are becoming increasingly bloody.

As many as 60-thousand people have fled their homes because of violence seemingly designed to scupper the ballot.

Some say the violence will result in a decisive win for the independence camp.

Elsewhere in Dili further violence had erupted.

Here, in contrast to the bloody street attack, Pro-Autonomy Indonesian campaigners had attacked Pro-independence supporters.

Civilians in favour of independenece claimed the militia shot at and set fire to one of their houses.

The smouldering shells of burnt out cars and houses were testimony to the attack.

Several civilians were injured including an old woman.

In tears, she said stones were thrown at her.

In recent weeks pro-autonomy leaders have repeatedly threatened to start a civil war if the their cause is defeated.

Indonesian police were quickly on the scene and tried to diffuse the situation.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"A lot of people are already crazy; when people with this information goes to that gathering of people it will be totally..."
SUPER CAPTION:Intelligence Officer

Meanwhile, on Thursday the United Nations chaired a secret meeting between the commander of East Timor's separatist rebels and the local Indonesian military chief.

The United Nations said the meeting was the first of its kind and is the latest in a series of peace and reconciliation initiatives ahead of the ballot.

The meeting came as an estimated 15-thousand demonstrators took to the streets of the territory's capital.

Many in the crowd appeared to be members of militia groups.

Dozens of demonstrators brandished homemade shotguns and other weapons, violating a U-N imposed ban on the carrying of weapons.

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