Three killed over Java land clash

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6704397.stm

Version 0 of 1.

At least three villagers have been shot dead by Indonesian marines in clashes over a land dispute, witnesses say.

Several people were reportedly injured when the troops started shooting on protesters who had gathered in Pasuruan town, eastern Java.

Hundreds had gathered to protest over a land development, which is subject to a bitter court battle.

The navy wants to take back a 3,600 hectare (8,895 acre) plot for military training, officials said.

Navy spokesman Tony Syaiful said some 40 marines were attacked by villagers who were carrying machetes and rocks, forcing them to fire back.

"We don't know who started it but villagers began throwing rocks at our members," he said. "Because they attacked us in a brutal manner, the officers attacked back. Several of our members were injured."

Court decision

One witness told ElShinta radio: "People were gathering on the road, it was easy to shoot them."

Television footage showed bleeding protesters, mainly woman, being carried by truck to hospital. Children were among the crowds.

Deputy district chief Muzammil Syafi'i said the land dispute dated back to the 1960s.

The navy wants to take back land it owned but had neglected, allowing residents to build farms on the site.

Residents are appealing a recent court decision that ruled in the navy's favour.