7 dead in religious rioting in western Myanmar; gov’t says troops opened fire, calm restored
By Associated Press, Updated: Saturday, June 9, 9:04 AM
YANGON, Myanmar — Security forces in western Myanmar have restored order after rioters burned hundreds of homes in sectarian violence that killed at least seven people, state-controlled media reported Saturday.
The rioting reflected long-standing tensions in Rakhine state between Buddhist residents and Muslims, many of whom are considered to be illegal settlers from neighboring Bangladesh. Although the root of the problem is localized — centering on resentment of the alleged cross-border outsiders — there is fear that the trouble could spread elsewhere because the split also runs along religious lines.
The state-run newspaper Myanma Ahlin said security forces had to open fire to restrain the rioters, while state television announced that army troops had been deployed to help police in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, where the mobs rampaged. A dusk-to-dawn curfew was applied and public gatherings of more than five people banned.
According to the television report, seven people were killed and 17 wounded in Friday’s violence. It said 494 houses, 19 shops and a guest house were burned down.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/7-dead-in-religious-rioting-in-western-myanmar-govt-says-troops-opened-fire-calm-restored/2012/06/09/gJQAgBzxPV_story.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
