Arsonists spark Tongan military warning

Civil workers discuss strike strategy at a meeting in downtown Nuku'alofa. Picture / Kenny Rodger

NUKU'ALOFA - A high-ranking member of the Tongan Government says the country will exercise its military muscle if anyone dies in arson attacks hitting the country.

Akauola (his only name), chairman of the Cabinet media committee, made the comment after an arson attempt on a high school in the northern Vava'u island group.

Vandals broke windows to get into the school, where they smashed 12 computers, causing up to $15,000 damage, and spilled petrol in two rooms.

The attack follows the series of arsons, including the torching of a beach house belonging to the King on Tuesday.

About 3000 civil servants have been on strike for five weeks, leading to protests outside the royal household in Auckland where the King has been staying.

The high school principal, who would not supply his name, said a fire was lit in the classroom but quickly put out by the night watchman about 1am yesterday.

The principal said 24 of his teaching staff, including himself, were still working at the school, and 26 had gone on strike.

He did not believe the attack, the first of its kind, was related to the industrial action.

Akauola, who is also the Governor of Vava'u, said those on strike were not necessarily the vandals, but it was possible the culprits were inspired by the unrest, or acting on instructions.

He said a small team of strikers flew into Vava'u the day before and met teachers all afternoon. They instructed students to stay home.

"Then the computers are trashed and someone tries to burn the school down. Coincidence is it?"

Akauola said there were extremist elements in Tongan society, such as deportees from the United States.

If the damage continued the Government was bound to act. Legislation in place included formidable anti-terrorist powers.

Akauola said the Government, while it would be reluctant to come across heavy-handed, had a duty to govern, particularly if life was threatened or people were burned in their homes.

The Herald has heard of four arson attempts since the strike began, two in occupied houses suspected of involvement in the attacks.

The Public Service Association's legal adviser, Clive Edwards, said he did not believe the arson attempt in Vava'u had anything to do with those on strike.

However, he had no doubt some troublemakers were riding on the back of the strike for their own ends.

Bringing in the Army would be a big mistake.

"The people are not going to tolerate that and they are not going to be deterred by the possibility."

Mr Edwards said strikers wanted a peaceful solution.

The Tongan Government sent 10 of its police to help protect the King's residence in Epsom, where he is based while having medical checks.