The police today blamed outsiders for stirring up emotions and fanning Kampung Buah Pala villagers' anger during a demolition exercise today.

"They had blocked the entrance to the village and caused a commotion in trying to prevent police, who were escorting the court bailiff and demolition team, from entering," Timur Laut district police chief ACP Azam Abdul Hamid told a press conference at his office in George Town this evening.

NONE As a result of the commotion to stop the demolition , two policemen were injured, said Azam.

He said the two policemen were injured after they were assaulted by members of the group that had gathered there.

He also denied that his force was brutal and aggressive against the protesters and villagers, adding that his men acted in a humble manner in trying to sooth the situation.

Azam however said that the police meant business and would not hesitate to arrest anyone who interfered in the performance of their official duties.

He also warned that the police would arrest journalists and cameramen as well for obstructing police from carrying out their work.

"Such arrest will be mainly for the purpose of protecting the journalists," he claimed.

Those arrested have been released

He confirmed that 18 people, including five villagers and 13 non-villagers, were detained during the standoff this morning.

NONE He claimed that the force only deployed a handful of policemen at the village today but declined to state the exact number when pressed at the press conference.

Azam also said those arrested would be investigated under Sections 146 and 186 of the Penal Code for using force as a group and for obstructing the police from doing their duties.

The investigation papers would then be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor's office for further action.

The detained 18 - including three women, village lawyer Darshan Singh Khaira and former Petaling Jaya municipal councillor A Thiruvenggadam - were released at about 7.30pm today on police bail.

The OCPD also claimed that the Nusmetro Venture director Gary Ho was assaulted during the melee and the police had identified the suspect.

"The suspect will be charged separately," he said.

Azam also chided the detained three women of trying to become 'heroines' and Darshan Singh for failing to carry out his legal duties.

"Instead of persuading the villagers to stand down, he was indeed instigating them," alleged Azam, who did not mince his words.

So far the police have received six reports from court officers, the developer, assaulted persons and detained suspects on the commotion today.