August 27, 1999
Web posted at: 2:41 a.m. EDT (0641 GMT)

In this story: Some residents hiding in fear Monday's ballot to determine territory's future Last day of campaigning At least five dead from Thursday's riots U.N. set to increase its presence RELATED STORIES, SITES

From staff and wire reports

DILI, East Timor (CNN) -- Hundreds of residents crowded a ferry leaving East Timor Friday, fearing for their safety ahead of Monday's historic referendum on whether the island territory should become independent.

Police beat back some in the crowd who began pushing their way forward to board the vessel.

The scene followed a day of rioting and violence that resulted in at least five deaths.

"The shooting yesterday made everyone panic, and we stayed inside our homes," said one man waiting to board the ferry. "Today, we are leaving for Kupang. I will see what happens in the next few days."

The residents fear anti-independence militia groups, who have burned homes, fired shots and threatened villagers. Many are frightened that the balloting will trigger even more violent episodes.

Amid the high tension in Dili, the capital of East Timor, troops were stationed throughout the city.

Tens of thousands of East Timor residents have fled into the territory's jungles and mountains recently to escape the violence.

"We ran away into the jungle because we were scared of the militias," said a man who would only give his first name, Jose, for rear of retribution.

The United Nations blames most of the violence on groups opposed to independence. Some human rights groups warn that despite the U.N. presence, Monday's vote may not be free and fair with so many people living in fear away from their homes.

London-based Amnesty International said it feared many East Timorese would be unable to vote, or could do so only at great risk. Voting rules require casting ballots where voters originally registered.

Independence leader Jose Alexandre Gusmao, known as Xanana, called on Friday for an armed peacekeeping force to quell the escalating violence.

Speaking while under house arrest in Jakarta, the former guerrilla leader told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio on Friday that the Indonesian government was deliberately allowing militia groups to heighten tension to intimidate separatist groups.

"Only allowing armed forces to enforce peace in East Timor can correct the process, because the Indonesian government has proved that they don't want to stop the violence," he said.

Monday's balloting is to decide whether the former Portuguese colony, annexed by Indonesia in 1976, should be given "special autonomy" but remain under Indonesian rule, or move toward independence under the auspices of the United Nations.

If independence is the winning option, Indonesia has promised to annul its annexation of East Timor. The United Nations would then help place the territory on the road to self-rule.

U.N. officials insist the vote proceed on schedule despite the violence that has marred the campaign. The U.N. has blamed the violence mostly on supporters of a continued union with Indonesia.

There are widespread fears that further violence will break out when the result of the vote is announced, and that some people in the losing camp might be unwilling to accept defeat.

Friday is the final day allowed for campaigning by those favoring independence, while groups wanting East Timor to remain within Indonesia had their final campaign day on Thursday.

An official at a Dili hospital said some markets were closed Friday, and troops were stationed in parts of the city. "It's calm, but tense this morning," said the official.

A military official said he heard no reports of trouble Thursday night. "We are carrying out normal security procedures this morning," he said.

"Cars are on the streets; Dili is quiet, but tense." a resident added.

The tension follows Thursday's violence in the capital, which erupted after over 15,000 people attended a raucous anti- independence rally in Dili's main sports stadium.

The United Nations says at least five people were killed as members of a militia opposing independence rampaged through the city.

"At least five people and probably more," said Ian Martin, head of the U.N. Mission in East Timor.

One of the the five reported dead was killed by Indonesian police, whom witnesses accused of doing little to stop the rampage.

The human right group Amnesty International estimates 35 people have died in clashes between supporters and opponents of independence since May.

The United Nations Security Council votes on Friday to increase its presence in East Timor in the period following the vote.

The police contingent of the U.N. Mission in East Timor, or UNAMET, would be increased to 460 members from about 280, while a military liaison group would be increased to 300 from 50.

UNAMET's mandate would also be extended until Nov. 30, in accordance with recommendations by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

In a recent report recommending the beefing up of UNAMET, Annan warned "During this interim phase, the situation in East Timor will be rather delicate as the territory prepares for the implementation of the result of the popular consultation, whatever it may be."

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

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