IMPOSITION of martial law and shoot-on-sight curfew on East Timor following escalation of pro-Jakarta militia-generated violence appears no less than a government machination to deny the people of the former Portuguese colony independence they have overwhelmingly voted for in the UN-brokered referendum. Surely, situation in the island province has gone out of control with more than hundred people reported killed and some 40,000 East Timorese fleeing their homes in mortal fear. Also, UNAMET staffers, foreigners and Journalists, who.have had little immunity .to militia? attack and 'death threat^,., have; been evacuated. ‘ ' ■ , , . ' ..

Unfortunately, the state apparatus has so far played the onlooker by and large, thereby indirectly encouraging the hoodlums instead of protecting the lives and properties of the East Timorese. Even worse, introduction of martial law appears to have worked, according to reports, as a blanket for the perpetrators. Gross violation of independence-seekers’ fundamental human rights continues unabated. So rhenacingly audacious the anti-independence elements have become that one of their leaders even went to the extent of saying that they “will burn (East Timor) down and start all over again".

The bright patch in an otherwise dark episode is perhaps the release of East Timorese resistan :e leader Xanana Gusmao after six years in prison. Hopefully-, it would entail more measures reflec t-ing a government commitment to make good on the promise of independence to East Timer. Thankfully, Gusmao also appears inclined for a peaceful solution through negotiations.

For obvious reasons, international community has expressed grave concern at the ominous development there. The UN secretary-general has already served a 48-hour ultimatum on the Indonesian government “to bring violence in East Timor under control" or put up with international intervention. United States, Australia, Portugal, France and Britain have also voiced support for a UN peace-keeping force in the beleaguered island. However, we hope situation would not go that far and President Habibie's government, would immediately take steps to rein in the militias leading the way for the verdict of the referendum on East Timor’s independence to be respected.