Fiji divisions grow

Policemen carry the body of a colleague killed by a mob

Chiefs from an economically-important region of Fiji badly hit by the coup crisis are reported to have decided on self-governance.

The 70 chiefs from the western side of the main island of Viti Levu are to set up a separate administration with their own Great Council of Chiefs, Fijilive website has reported.

Resentment is growing in the west of Viti Levu

Resentment has been growing in the west of the island, home to the country's sugar cane plantations and tourist resorts - the mainstay of the economy.

Ethnic Indian sugar cane cutters are refusing to work in protest at the military's failure to end the crisis, which began on 19 May when coup leader George Speight stormed parliament in the name of rights for indigenous people.

The army has warned that the men could be prosecuted under martial law if they do not cut the cane.

Soldiers are patrolling the capital Suva

Fiji Sugar Commission chairman Gerald Barrack told Fijilive website that further delays in harvesting would have a great impact on the country's economy.

"We suffer the most because most of our people are employed in tourism and sugar," said Ratu Osea Gavidi, one of the chiefs at the meeting in Nadi.

Local chiefs have long felt they do not have enough political clout in Suva, the capital.

Policeman beaten

In Suva, rebel leader George Speight has again warned of serious reprisals if soldiers shoot at his gunmen.

On Thursday, Mr Speight's men fired back at soldiers who had fired warning shots at rebels looting a house near the parliament building, the military said.

No-one was injured in the incident.

Mr Speight warned "that type of approach" would result in a "not too pleasant backlash".

Speight left Sunday's talks with the military without agreement

In another sign of tension, a policeman investigating a stolen taxi was also badly beaten by coup supporters in the area on Thursday.

The policeman, who had arrived in civilian clothing, was dragged out of his car by dozens of people and kicked and punched while lying on the ground.

Talks between the army and Mr Speight broke down on Saturday.