The military is rejecting suggestions that the decision is aimed at quashing independence supporters in the territory. It is also ruling out any acceptance of international peacekeepers until November, when East Timor's vote for independence will be formally approved. Bronwyn Curran reports from Jakarta. The military's chief spokesman says martial law has been imposed because civilian powers were proving ineffective in stemming the destruction and killing. Rampages by anti-independence militias have escalated since Saturday's announcement of the almost 80 per cent vote in favor of independence.
Witnesses say they saw soldiers and police standing by as the violence was occurring.
They say some even participated. According to Brigadier General Sudrajat, martial law means the eight battalions of soldiers in the province will take over from the police. Another three battalions are on standby. The soldiers have been authorized to search for weapons, arrest anyone suspected of creating disturbances, and shoot on sight anyone who breaks the curfew that has been imposed along with martial law. The spokesman rejected suggestions that the move was a cover for the military to target independence activists.