Fears of unrest swirl in troubled East Timor

13/10/2008 07:58:30

In East Timor an opposition plan for a massive march on the capital and rumours of tension in the police force are raising concerns of a return to instability.

An unsigned pamphlet circulating in Dili complains of official discrimination against Timorese from the impoverished country's western region in favour of those from the east.

The pamphlet also threatens protests against the government if an easterner is appointed the new police commander when the post becomes vacant in November.

Such claims of regional discrimination sparked a mass desertion by members of the armed forces, leading to fighting in 2006 between military, police factions and gangs in street violence that killed at least 37 people.

The opposition Fretilin party has also announced plans for a large protest but a date has yet to be set for the march.

The government has responded by increasing roadblocks in the capital and banning off-duty police officers from taking their guns home.

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