Curfew imposed in Thandwe after rape sparks more riots

Curfew imposed in Thandwe after rape sparks more riots

Published on Monday, 01 July 2013 19:19

Local authorities have imposed a curfew in Thandwe, Rakhine State on June 30 after a rape case caused riots and arson attacks.

Locals report that the rape victim was returning from a family visit on June 29 when she arrived in Thandwe looking for a late bus to Taunggup. She was approached by a motorcyclist who invited her to stay at his relatives house, but after refusing he took her to the Nandaw Pagoda where he proceeded to rape her.

After some youths appeared on the scene apprehending the man and taking them both to the Thandwe Myoma police station. As word spread, some 200 people soon gathered in front of the police station. By 7pm on the following day crowds had grown in numbers. After ignoring calls to disperse, the police announced a curfew order which sparked arson attacks in Arndaw Ward of Thandwe Town.

A similar incident ignited religious riots between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and local Muslims in May 2012. An estimated hundred people were killed and thousands of homes destroyed. Incidents of religious violence and riots have spread to other towns of Myanmar this year.

The authorities managed to control the situation and have told reporters that they would take actions against those who committed a crime in accordance with the law. They have not confirmed the identities of those responsible.

In response to the questions by an Eleven Media reporter, a police officer replied that the rapist was arrested and the rape victim was still at the police station. The police were in pursuit of the friend of the arrested person. They maintained that imposing curfew in Thandwe was right.

The Facebook page of the Presidential Spokesperson, Ye Htut confirmed that a riot had occurred in response to the rape.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/07/02/curfew-imposed-in-thandwe-after-rape-sparks-more-riots/