AMBON, Indonesia (CNN) -- Sectarian violence flared again Monday in Indonesia's Maluku province, where Christian rioters torched a dozen Muslim-owned houses and Indonesia's military stepped in to try to bring calm.

As many as ten people were reportedly killed on the eighth day of violence in the provincial capital, Ambon city, where troops have orders to shoot what the military calls "troublemakers."

"We have to handle this problem," said Indonesian military chief Gen. Wiranto in Jakarta. "If not, it could create disintegration and instability in the nation."

Wiranto has mobilized an anti-riot force to restore order.

Christian rioters also attacked a mosque in a village outside Ambon. An Christian man was killed brawling with Muslims, said Husein Toisuta, a Muslim imam.

Indonesian police reportedly killed nine Muslims leaving another mosque after morning prayers, witnesses said. Christian sources, however, said the police fired only warning shots.

The violence is the worst to hit the spice islands in more than 15 years. Indonesia has been plagued by riots since last May, when protests forced the resignation of President Suharto.

More than 160 people have been killed in riots that began in February.

In Jakarta, student demonstrators demanded the resignation of Attorney General Andi Ghalib, who is leading the probe into Suharto's accumulated wealth. Protesters are also demanding that Suharto's successor, President B.J. Habibie, resign.

Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, but the island of Ambon has a Christian majority.

Jakarta Bureau Chief Maria Ressa and Reuters contributed to this report.

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