Myanmar's state of emergency
Source: Agencies |
June 11, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
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Myanmar's president yesterday declared a state of emergency in a western state where sectarian tensions between Buddhists and Muslims have unleashed deadly violence.
It is the first time Thein Sein has invoked the law since he took office early last year. A state of emergency effectively allows the military to take over administrative functions for Rakhine State, a coastal region that borders Bangladesh.
The move follows rioting on Friday in two Rakhine areas that state media say left at least seven people dead and 17 wounded, and saw hundreds of houses burned down. The unrest spread on Saturday and yesterday, though order was said to have been restored in the areas shaken by Friday's violence.
In a nine-minute speech televised nationally, Thein Sein said the violence in Rakhine State was fanned by dissatisfaction harbored by different religious and ethnic groups, hatred and the desire for vengeance.
"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.
Authorities had earlier imposed curfews in the state capital, Sittwe, and three other townships from yesterday because of elements there acting unlawfully and causing disorder, according to state media.
The government has also banned public gatherings of more than five persons.
It is the first time Thein Sein has invoked the law since he took office early last year. A state of emergency effectively allows the military to take over administrative functions for Rakhine State, a coastal region that borders Bangladesh.
The move follows rioting on Friday in two Rakhine areas that state media say left at least seven people dead and 17 wounded, and saw hundreds of houses burned down. The unrest spread on Saturday and yesterday, though order was said to have been restored in the areas shaken by Friday's violence.
In a nine-minute speech televised nationally, Thein Sein said the violence in Rakhine State was fanned by dissatisfaction harbored by different religious and ethnic groups, hatred and the desire for vengeance.
"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.
Authorities had earlier imposed curfews in the state capital, Sittwe, and three other townships from yesterday because of elements there acting unlawfully and causing disorder, according to state media.
The government has also banned public gatherings of more than five persons.
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