Myanmar government warns that deadly ethnic violence hurts reputation as it builds democracy

• Article by: Associated Press
• Updated: October 26, 2012 - 1:31 AM

SITTWE, Myanmar - Myanmar's government has appealed for peace in the western state of Rakhine, warning that ethnic violence there that has taken at least 56 lives in recent days risks harming the country's reputation as it seeks to install democratic rule.

 

The mob violence pitting the Buddhist Rakhine community against the Muslim Rohingya has seen entire villages torched and has drawn international calls for government intervention.

"The army, police, and authorities in cooperation with local people will try to restore peace and stability and will take legal action against any individual or organization that is trying to instigate the unrest," said a statement from the office of President Thein Sein published Friday in the state-run Myanma Ahlin newspaper.

Since Sunday, 25 men and 31 women have been reported dead and 60 men and four women injured in the violence in four Rakhine townships, state government spokesman Win Myaing said Thursday. He did not break down the casualties by ethnic group.

 

 Source: Here