JAKARTA. National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo said on Monday his force had arrested eight people for their roles in the melee in Sampang, East Java, which led to the deaths of two Shiites.

"Among the suspects was the mastermind identified by the initial 'R'. We are now hunting for three more suspects," Timur told journalists at the State Palace after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Timur, along with Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Adm. Agus Suhartono, Attorney General Basrief Arief, Law and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin, and Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi, were unexpectedly summoned by the President for an explanation of the deadly incident.

Two Shia Muslims were killed, and at least seven others wounded in a melee involving Shia community members and an anti-Shia group in Sampang, on Sunday.

Timur, however, did not confirm if the suspects were Shiites or members of the anti-Shia group.

According to Kulsum, the wife of incarcerated Shia leader Tajul Muluk, at least 10 homes were set ablaze by the anti-Shia group.

The police chief said he had ordered the detectives in charge to accelerate their investigation. "I hope the suspects will face trial in court before long," Timur said.

He said that the National Police had deployed about 300 personnel to supplement local police forces already deployed to the site of the incident.

"We are carrying out all necessary measures to ensure the situation under control. Military officers are also helping us to take preventative measures," Timur said.

The incident was the second such outbreak of anti-Shia violence in Sampang in the last 12 months.

Tajul's house and pesantren (Islamic boarding school) were burned down by an angry mob last December. He was accused of heresy for preaching that the Koran was not the original scripture, and the true version of the holy book would only be revealed to Imam Mahdi.

Tajul was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for blasphemy against Islam by the Sampang District Court on July 12, 2012.

Timur, however, denied that the reoccurence of the violence was the result of poor law enforcement and weak anticipation measures. (Bagus BT Saragih/ The Jakarta Post)