Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara – Three police officers and dozens of villagers were injured during a clash over a land dispute in Kupang's Amarasi Selatan district late Monday.

Kupang Police deputy chief Comr. Eko Wahyuyomo confirmed from Kupang on Tuesday that the incident involved police officers and hundreds of villagers.

"We're still investigating why residents vented their anger at the policemen. Police are currently examining the scene of the incident," Eko said.

He said the Monday clash occurred when Sonrean villagers arrived at a local police precinct to settle a land dispute. The situation became tense, forcing the police to request reinforcements.

"When police officers from Kupang arrived in two patrol cars, the mob attacked the cars and injured three officers," he said. He said the three wounded officers had undergone medical treatment. "I don't know the exact number of casualties from the residents' side," Eko said.

The police had secured an area in Sonrean village, 40 km south of Kupang, as of Tuesday. The situation remained tense, following rumors of a a police raid on the area to find villagers involved in the clash.