(29 Sep 1999) Indonesian/Nat
In East Timor, refugees who fled from the violence there are returning home in sporadic groups.
Despite the presence of the multinational peacekeeping force, the militias are still a threat.
In some towns, villagers are forming themselves into defence forces, ready to protect their homes and families.
Around 200 people have returned to the village of Manatuto, 37 miles (60 kilometres) east of Dili.
The town used to have a population of around nine thousand.
Eighty percent of its buildings were burned, and little food or medicine is available.
The town is considered to be one of the highest priorities for aid.
In Manatuto, about 25 people have formed themselves into a defence force.
They only have primitive weapons, mostly bows and arrows, but they are receiving training from Falintil independence guerrillas.
It is claimed about three thousand local people remain hiding in the hills too scared to come back to the town.
They are under the protection of Falintil.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"We are not created to fight a particular group, but we will fight anybody who wants to be our enemy - whether the militia or anyone else."
SUPER CAPTION: Bonivacio Dacunha, Villager
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