Police arrest 48 people in connection with Thandwe violence

Police arrest 48 people in connection with Thandwe violence

Published on Tuesday, 08 October 2013 18:15

 

Alleged culprits, who have been charged for stabbing four Rakhine people, were brought to trial at Thandwe Township Court on October 6 (Photo – EMG)

Police have arrested 48 people in connection with the violence in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State, including those who are suspected of spreading the violence, according to police.

Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Tint, police chief of Thandwe District Police Force, said on Sunday that a 969 campaign was believed to be one of the causes behind the violence.

"Some people who made strategic plans are behind the violence. Among the causes of this incident, was the spreading of the 969 [campaign] CDs and instigations from the internet. That's why the hatred between the two sides became stronger. There were creators and supporters of the violence. We have arrested them and are investigating them. We will continue our work depending on the results of the investigation," said Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Tint.

He added that the police will investigate the manipulators and the root causes of the violence and take action accordingly.

The riot was sparked by an argument between a Rakhine man and a Kaman man over the parking of a motorcycle with a Sasana [Buddhist] flag in front of a Kaman-owned shop on September 29. The Rakhine man filed a case against the Kaman owner at Thandwe Myoma Police Station for insulting the flag.

After the man was released on bail, mobs threw rocks at the Kaman man's house, igniting violence that claimed five lives and injured five others, according to Thandwe District Police Force.

"The violence started from a normal incident, but the situation got bigger in the end. Both sides have been affected physically and mentally due to huge losses and sufferings. That's why we think that such kind of things cannot happen again," added Kyaw Tint.

Over 480 residents were made homeless and 114 homes were destroyed during the violence that coincided with President Thein Sein's first visit to the conflict-torn region.

Three religious buildings and a petrol warehouse were also burned to the ground by rioters, according to officials.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/08/police-arrest-48-people-in-connection-with-thandwe-violence/