Policemen carry the body of a colleague killed by a mob.
Chiefs from an economically-important region of Fiji that badly hit by the
coup crisis are reported to have decided on self-governance.
The 70 chiefs from the western side of the main island of Viti Levu are to
set up a separate administration with their own Great Council of Chiefs, Fijilive
website has reported.
Resentment has been growing in the west of the island, home to the country's
sugar cane plantations and tourist resorts - the mainstay of the economy.
Ethnic Indian sugar cane cutters are refusing to work in protest at the military's
failure to end the crisis, which began on 19 May when coup leader George Speight
stormed parliament in the name of rights for indigenous people. The army has
warned that the men could be prosecuted under martial law if they do not cut
the cane.
Fiji Sugar Commission chairman Gerald Barrack told Fijilive website that further
delays in harvesting would have a great impact on the country's economy.
"We suffer the most because most of our people are employed in tourism
and sugar," said Ratu Osea
Gavidi, one of the chiefs at the meeting in Nadi. Local chiefs have long felt
they do not have enough
political clout in Suva, the capital.
Policeman beaten
In Suva, rebel leader George Speight has again warned of serious reprisals
if soldiers shoot at his gunmen.
On Thursday, Mr Speight's men fired back at soldiers who had fired warning
shots at rebels looting a house near the parliament building, the military said.
No-one was injured in the incident. Mr Speight warned "that type of approach"
would result in a "not too pleasant backlash".
In another sign of tension, a policeman investigating a stolen taxi was also
badly beaten by coup supporters in the area on Thursday. The policeman, who
had arrived in civilian clothing, was dragged out of his car by dozens of people
and kicked and punched while lying on the ground.
Talks between the army and Mr Speight broke down on Saturday.
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