At least 20 killed as Rohingya Muslims riot in western Myanmar

News Desk
Eleven News
Publication Date : 09-06-2012

More than a dozen residents of a Buddhist community in troubled Rakhine state in western Myanmar were killed as Rohingya Muslims rioted on Friday.

Authorities have imposed a curfew in Muangdaw town where Rohingyas started rioting soon after returning from Friday prayers. They threw stones at Rakhine houses and buildings, according to Ko Win Maung whose house was also burned down amidst the violence.

Death toll was estimated at between 20 and 30 as of Friday evening.

The Rohingyas are mostly stateless Muslims of South Asian descent and subjected to tight restrictions by the authorities.

The curfew prohibits residents of Maungdaw and Buthedaung towns from going outside between 6pm and 6am.

Contrary to foreign media's reports, the army did not fire at the mobs, but instead fired warning shots, according to the reporter's eyewitness account.

“Up to now, the handling of army in this violence is smooth and flexible. It was reportedly known that the military fired only the warning shots. Although the case seemed to be the problem between the Muslims and the Buddhists, there may be some incitements behind the incident,” said Dr Than Htut Aung, chairman and CEO of the Eleven Media Group.