Police hunt suspects in village clashes

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-29 08:09

Baoshang resident Zhang Mingyong said he had not gone to his farm since Monday in fear of a revenge attack by Gancheng villagers. As a result, he had no choice but to let his mature capsicum rot in the land.

On Thursday night, more than 100 residents holding knives from each village conducted their own patrols to prevent attacks.

"Now villagers hope for peace and quiet and do not want life to be full of disputes and fights which make everyone panic," said Mai Youwang, a Gancheng villager.

Three schools - a middle school and two primary schools in Gancheng Town remained closed Friday.

"Schools are the places most fearful of harm, so we do our best to guard them," said the Gancheng Middle School headmaster, who declined to be identified.

"I hope the situation calms down as early as possible so innocent children can go back to school," the principal said.

With armed police present, no fighting took place Friday.

"The current situation in Gancheng has become gradually stable," said Jia Dongjun, director of the Hainan Public Security Department. "The possibility of another mass conflict is relatively small."

As a result of the fighting, two officers from the local police station were sacked.

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