The Catholic Bishop of Torit has urged the people Hiyala village to maintain peace and avoid emotions that could lead to uncomfortable relations with the government.
Bishop Johnson Akio Mutek issued a statement to be read on Sunday masses following reports that the state government carried a violent disarmament exercise that harmed greatly the civilian population in Hiyala Village.Bishop Akio called on the government to restore the trust and confidence that has been lost in Hiyala Village.
He asked for the perpetrators of the violent acts against civilians to be brought to book.
Eastern Equatoria Deputy Commissioner of Police, Col. En Bilal Maumur, denied in a press briefing any act of hostility by the organized forces towards civilians, saying the exercise was peaceful but politicized.
He said a woman alleged she was raped but failed to identify any culprit among the forces.
Col Bial, who was in charge of the operation together with SPLA commander Col. Marino Oholong, denied any looting and mistreatment of civilians.
Former Torit County Commissioner Felix Otuduha Siro said King David Oyala was beaten because he was young and the soldiers did not know him.
He accused MPs from both state and national parliaments to influence people against the organized forces accusing them of mistreatment.
Mr Otuduha said the organized forces were wrongly accused of beating a 57-year old Marko Opulu Modesto to death.
The man died of natural causes.