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UPANG: Demonstrations held by former East Timor refugees turned violent when clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.

The protest, which was organized for the second time in the past month by the National Committee for East Timorese Political Victims, was staged to demand disbursement of Rp 15 billion (US$1.75 million) in central government funds.

The two opposing groups engaged in pushing and shoving as the protesters tried to enter the governor’s office building to meet government representatives. No injuries were reported.

“We need the funds to be paid to local residents for the land we bought,” protester Ronie Loude said. — JP