LABASA came to a standstill at mid-day yesterday after a military
siege at the Sukanaivalu Barracks.
The Barracks houses the military administration in the Northern
Division.
According to military spokesman, Lt. Col. Filipo Tarakinikini, the
siege is a result of an internal conflict whereby three junior military
officers tried to seize all arms to supply to the rebel leader George
Speight, who is holding 27 hostages in Suva.
Lt.Col. Tarakinikini said a team of officers flew to Labasa late
yesterday to sought out the situation.
He said the three officers were unable to proceed in their mission as
they didn't have the support of other officers at the camp.
"The three officers loaded a truck with arms but couldn't leave the
camp.
The officer in command and other officers didn't allow them to
proceed."
The three officers involved are Lt. Rusiate Vosayago, Lt. Valeni
Yasana and Sgt. Bele.
It is understood the three have the backing of former assistant
information minister in the SVT-Government Josefa Dimuri and the
chief security adviser to the rebels, Ilisoni Ligairi.
Fiji's Daily Post
BUSINESSES in Labasa were shut-down after the military siege in
the Sukanaivalu Barracks at Vaturekuka. Shops and schools closed
after the news spread through the Northern town.
Deputy Mayor of Labasa, Dr Pradeep Singh said there was a massive
rush in the town as people were trying to come to grips as what
happened.
"People rushed to collect their children from schools and shop
owners closed their businesses and rushed home."
Dr Pradeep said he didn't know what really had gone wrong at the
camp.
"We heard the news on the air that something had happened and this
is what we knew."
A shop owner said he decided to close his shop because he expected
some looting and burning to follow, something that occurred in Suva
on May 19.
"What happened in Suva could have happened in Labasa, we can't be
complacent after what had happened on that ill-fated day."
Two school headteachers said they had to close their schools after
receiving news about the conflict at the camp.
"We hope that parents will not send their children to school until
situation cools down a bit."
Fiji's Daily Post
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