Curfew imposed as Myanmar in state of emergency following riots
Myanmar President Thein Sein has announced a state of emergency in Myanmar after deadly riots between Muslims and Buddhists resulted in several deaths.
FOX News reports the details of Sein’s announcement:
He (Sein) warned that if the situation spun out of control, it could jeopardize the democratic reforms he has been instituting since taking office last year.
In a nine-minute speech televised nationally, Thein Sein said that the violence in Rakhine State was fanned by dissatisfaction harbored by different religious and ethnic groups, hatred and the desire for vengeance.
“If this endless anarchic vengeance and deadly acts continue, there is the danger of them spreading to other parts and being overwhelmed by subversive influences,” he said. “If that happens, it can severely affect peace and tranquility and our nascent democratic reforms and the development of the country.”
State television on Sunday said a dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe and three other townships. Public gathering of more than five persons were also banned.
The move follows rioting on Friday in two other areas of Rakhine state that, according to state media, left at least seven people dead and 17 wounded, and saw hundreds of houses burned down.
“I would like to call upon the people, political parties, religious leaders and the media to join hands with the government with a sense of duty, to help restore peace and stability and to prevent further escalation of violence,” Thein Sein said.
The NY Times added details from expert Chris Lewa, an expert on the area.
Tensions in the area had been building for several months, according to Chris Lewa, an expert on the Rohingya who has championed their cause.
Myanmar’s government has not proposed a solution for the 800,000 Rohingya, who live in conditions that resemble refugee camps and make up one of the largest groups of stateless people in Asia.
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