The call comes Sejario Marcal Ximenes (HAKSOLOK), the Major General of Timor-Leste’s National Defence and Police Force, said his members were “ready to shoot” any gang member found disrupting citizen’s peace during a press conference in Dili on Friday.

A violent incident between rival gangs on 4 July in Leorema, Liquiça, resulted in two deaths, three injuries as well as the destruction of thirteen houses by arson.

In a meeting with representatives from Timor-Leste’s 13 municipalities to discuss the nation’s up-coming 30th August independence day celebrations – Gusmao also urged senior security and defence force members to reach-out to gang leaders to understand what is driving the conflict uptick.

"I ask KRAM, Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), the Timor-Leste Defence Force (FFDTL) to call on Martial Art leaders, and hold meetings every week, talk with them to create a safe atmosphere during the August 30 referendum celebration, love one each other,” Gusmao said. “The State does not want people to commit crimes, but if they commit a crime they will go to prison.”

Earlier, PNTL Commissioner Inspector, Pedro Belo, said the police had joined forces with FFDTL in a joint “no tolerance” operation to stamp-out gang activity.

“We will shoot them if they fight us," Belo said.

Belo also called for help from members of the public.

"If the martial art groups are still in hiding practice, we ask the people to contribute, report to PNTL and FFDTL to be arrested so they can be tried according to the Timor-Leste legal corridors,” Belo said.

“We do not want Timor-Leste to be controlled by the Martial Art Groups

Martial arts gangs have been outlawed in Timor-Leste since 2011.