Thandwe violence kills 6 people, injures 4

Thandwe violence kills 6 people, injures 4

Published on Friday, 04 October 2013 01:13

A burnt-out site in Thandwe (Photo-EMG)

Six people have been killed and four injured in a recent spate of sectarian violence in Thandwe, Myanmar's western Rakhine State according to police.

Reports were confirmed of a 60-year-old woman being stabbed to death in the latest clashes between Rakhine Buddhists and Muslim minorities. The violence erupted in the last week of September, as President Thein Sein made a first trip to the violence-torn region.

"A mosque was damaged on the morning of October 2 and a 60-year-old grandmother left dead on the street," said Police Lt-Col Min Aung from the Myanmar Police Force.

Residents and civil society groups voiced concerns the situation could escalate but the situation has been calm since a curfew was imposed and security tightened ahead of the president's visit.

"All the deaths were from Thabyuchaing Village were Muslims. The injured were ethnics including Christian and Buddhist. The rescue camp is opening in Linte Village. Assistance will be provided by the state government. The current condition has been calm," said Police Lt-Col Kyaw Tint of Thandwe District Police Force.

The authorities also reported that a mosque was burnt down in Kyekan village after arson attacks and about one hundred people were left homeless in Linte village.

"Sufficient securities have been deployed," added Police Lt-Col Kyaw Tint.

The army was taking security measures in Thandwe on October 2 as President Thein Sein arrived to meet with concerned authorities. He was scheduled to meet town elders there the next day. Religious flags were flying in almost every house in Thandwe as well as on cars and motorcycles. Most shops remained closed.

"The President is arriving today. Security has been tightened. Nothing is heard of further violence. Tomorrow ten from Rakhine side and ten from Muslim side will be meeting with the President," said Kyaw Kyaw, a local resident from Thandwe.

"The whole town has been panic because of widespread rumours of Muslims killing people from other religions including Rakhine," he added. 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/04/thandwe-violence-kills-6-people-injures-4/