Devi Asmarani, Jakarta – Thousands of troops were deployed to Poso in Central Sulawesi yesterday as residents braced themselves for more violence following reports of murder and unrest over the shooting of a terror suspect.

About 2,300 troops have been deployed here from Jakarta and nearby provinces.

Police said the situation was back to normal and business activities resumed yesterday, but a high-alert status remained in place because of possible sectarian unrest.

Police spokesman Sunarko said: "From the headquarters in Jakarta, aside from the riot police, we have also sent intelligence officers, criminal investigators, medics and other related personnel." The troops will patrol provincial roads to protect public transport, which is often attacked by unidentified gangs pursuing rival groups.

Early yesterday morning, three men armed with crowbars and home-made rifles attacked a bus carrying 19 passengers. One passenger is reportedly missing and press reports said some bus operators had ceased operations.

A prolonged sectarian conflict that began in 2000 has claimed about 2,000 lives in Poso and nearby Tentena. Peace was restored following a government-brokered peace deal in December 2001.

But sporadic bloodshed has continued since October 12 following an attack on three Christian villages, raising fears of clashes between Muslims and Christians in the regency.

Officials in Jakarta blame Jemaah Islamiah terrorists for the latest attacks, which began on the first anniversary of the Bali bombings.

On Saturday, police nabbed three people linked to the October 12 attacks. One of them, Hamid Sudin, was shot when he tried to resist arrest, police said. His death and the arrest of Irwan Rais and Sukri angered local Muslims. Thousands of them besieged the Poso police headquarters yesterday demanding their release. A motorist was killed by the mob during the protest.

Brigadier-General Sunarko said yesterday the two had been released as they had cooperated with investigators.

Meanwhile, police are investigating the murder of three church workers who were travelling from Tentena to Poso. Mr Oranje Tadjodja, his nephew Yohannes Tadjodja and Mr Denny Lingkuliwa, all missing since Thursday, were found dead in their car near Pesisir Poso yesterday.

Troops have been deployed to prevent residents of predominantly Christian Tentena from attacking Muslims in other villages.