Yemris Fointuna, Kupang – More than 20 residents in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are reportedly in critical condition after two groups attacked each other with firearms and sharp weapons in a fight over farmland. Seven sustained gunshot wounds.

The clash between residents from Lamahala and Horowura villages in East Adonara district since Sunday has paralyzed people's daily activities. As of Monday, the situation in the area remained tense, as the two groups remained vigilant.

East Flores Vice Regent Yusni Herin said by telephone that the clash, involving residents from the two villages had ensued because the farmland, which Lamahala villagers regarded as theirs, was taken over by Horowura villagers.

"Based on a traditional agreement, people from both villages can till the land because they still have family ties."

Herin said around 20 people sustained serious wounds and seven were critically injured and were being treated at the Larantuka General Hospital and TC Hillers Hospital in Maumere to remove shells lodged in their bodies.

"Personnel from the East Flores Police and Larantuka Military Command have been sent to secure the location," Herin said. "The provincial administration sent a team to the scene to mediate between the disputing groups."

Meanwhile, in provincial capital Kupang, security personnel were able to maintain control at another clash between former East Timor refugees at the resettlement location in Raknamo village and local residents at a manganese mine in Naumu village, Fatuleu district.

The clash, which broke out Sunday, caused dozens of people to become injured and damaged five homes, a car, a hand-held tractor and two generators. Kupang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Dadang Suhandar said police were still investigating the clash.

A number of former refugees said the clash was sparked by a local resident named Henderik Manbait, who had prohibited them from mining manganese on his private land.

A clash also broke out in Kupang between two groups of students, which lead to the death of Fredik L.S. Nenok Nahak, a student from the Artha Wacana Christian University. Two others were critically wounded.

The clash between students from different ethnic groups also recently resulted in the razing of three homes and a motorcycle. Security personnel apprehended 13 people, one believed to be the instigator.