Jakarta – Two influential Indonesian student groups Tuesday split openly on whether to oppose elections slated for June, but those against dismissed reports they were planning a massive street protest this week against the polls.

In a statement distributed to journalists, Forkot, an association of students from 28 universities in Greater Jakarta, said the rumor was spread by those in power to create fear and tension among the people.

The group called on people not to be trapped by rumors, which it said were intended to undermine "people's power." However the group did not rule out protests at the end of the month.

The Forkot said it rejected the planned general election, slated for June 7, arguing that MP's currently debating political bills on the election were elected in flawed polls during the regime of former president Suharto.

The group, which had been at the forefront of student demonstrations last year demanding that the government of Suharto's hand-picked successor B.J. Habibie step down in favor of a transitional People's Committee, said it still wanted the government to resign.

"We will continue to press with our demand for the establishment of the Indonesian People's Committee," Kahfi, a Forkot leader told a press conference.

"It's not that we don't want an election. But we want a free and fair election. And this can never be achieved by the present government," said Kahfi.

Meanwhile, a second student group, Forum Salemba, issued a statement endorsing the elections and signed by eight student union leaders, including that of elite University of Indonesia.

In the statement, the group charged that the "illegitimacy" of the Habibie government had left it unable to issue policies "effective and responsive to people's needs."

But the signatories agreed the June elctions were "a pre-condition toward a legitimate government" and said they had decided to devote themselves to ensuring that it was held in free and fair manner. Forum Salamba also demanded the armed forces be held responsible for all riots that have rocked the country in recent months, claiming scores of lives.

Until the just-ended Moslem fasting, Forkot and other student groups had taken to the streets almost daily, demanding the setting up of the People's Committee and that Suharto be dragged to court to answer allegations that he has amassed a fortune during his 32 years in power.

Since the fasting month ended last week, renewed street protests have failed to materialize, amid reports from campuses the student movement is disintegrating into pro-and anti-election factions.