Jakarta – 150 students who went to Timor ro assist in the reconciliation process were forced to return to Java following threats from Eurico Guterres, head of the Aitarak militia, demanding that all students should adopt a position of neutrality. "If they refuse, we will use "other means" to force them to do so," said Guterres.

The students left Dili by ship on 26 April after having been in Timor since 22 March. They are expected to arrive back in Tanjung Priok, today.

They have good reason to fear for their lives as the militias have shown themselves to be only too ready to use violence against anyone who doesn't agree with them. We still remember the killings that occurred in the parish house of Fr Rafael in Liquisa and in Manuel Carrascalao's home in Dili.

Rumours are circulating today in Delta, Dili that the army and the militia are warning all East Timorese to take part in the Indonesian elections on 7 June. "If not, there will be a second Liquisa," according to the rumours.

These rumours started circulating following an announcement from the head of the Election Commission to the effect that only 22,244 people have so far registered to take part which is 4.65 per cent of the official figure for the number of Timorese eligible to vote.