Thousands Rally Against Secessionists

Thousands of pro-Indonesia East Timorese rallied in a show of force, as a pro-independence activist was reported shot dead in a clash with Indonesian security forces. In New York, the United Nations warned that a scheduled ballot on the territory’s future was in jeopardy because of mounting violence. Armed with spears, machetes and homemade guns, about 2,500 militiamen from all over the former Portuguese colony gathered in Viqueque, east of the capital, Dili. About 1,500 people looked on, a witness said. It was the second such rally in response to a call to arms issued by pro-independence guerrilla leader Jose Alexandre “Xanana” Gusmao nearly a week ago. A third rally is planned for today.