A land dispute between residents of two villages in North Seram district, Maluku, erupted into violence earlier this week, resulting in two deaths and three injuries.

The fatalities were identified as Iwan Makatita, 25, who was killed by an arrow, and Ikrar Aloahit, 24.

The clash occurred after residents of Saleman village planted teak seedlings on a plot of disputed land, and residents of Horale village destroyed the seedlings. Ten houses and one vehicle also were burned during the violence.

Maluku Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Didik A. Widjanarko confirmed the incident. One hundred police officers have been deployed to the area to prevent any further violence, Didik said. Up to 21 residents for the two villages have been detained at the local police station for questioning, he added.