Muslims flee Myanmar unrest as death toll rises
Hundreds of homes have been burned in the fresh outburst of unrest in Rakhine state, where Buddhist-Muslim clashes have killed at least 95 people since June and displaced tens of thousands, according to the authorities.
"At least five people have been killed and about 80 people injured in four days since October 21 in four townships," said Rakhine state spokesman Myo Thant.
Houses were also torched in another town on Thursday morning, he told AFP by telephone from the Rakhine state capital Sittwe.
"Soldiers are now helping to provide security," he added.
Tensions remain at boiling point across Rakhine state with a curfew in force in many areas, while tens of thousands of Muslim Rohingya languish in basic camps.
Hundreds more Rohingya have arrived in the state capital Sittwe by boat this week to seek shelter in the camps.
The UN refugee agency estimated that more than 1,000 displaced people had reached Sittwe in recent days.
"Many more are supposed to be on their way," said spokeswoman Vivian Tan in Bangkok. "These people are all coming to the IDP (internally displaced person) camps close to Sittwe, which are already overcrowded."
About 75,000 people are estimated to be uprooted in Rakhine state, mostly Rohingya.
There have been a series of protests by Buddhists in Myanmar against the stateless Muslim group, long considered by the United Nations to be one of the most persecuted minorities on the planet.
Myanmar's 800,000 Rohingya are viewed as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh by the Myanmar government and many Burmese - who call them "Bengalis".
But Bangladesh has turned away Rohingya fleeing the violence.
The bloodshed has cast a shadow over widely praised reforms by President Thein Sein, including the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the election of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament.
Rights groups fear that the real death toll may be much higher than the official toll.
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@sunil bhalla: "By forcing muslims out, do buddhists want to create PAK BURMA governed by buddhism?" Before rushing to comment, it is always wise to think twice. This violence is not against Burmese Muslims but Rohingya Muslims who are widely believed to have arrived in Burma from outside the country with the intent of forcing original inhabitants (Buddhists) from their lands and who have been causing havoc. There are other Muslims who have lived in Burma and lead peaceful lives undisturbed. Nevertheless, in answer to your question, one may ask "so what, if that is the case?". Would it fail to meet your high standards of "Indian" secularism?
@sunil bhalla:
That would be true if their attitude towards all other religions is similar.
Usman Aziz : You took the words right out of my mouth.
By forcing muslims out, do buddhists want to create PAK BURMA governed by buddhism?
Let them all come to Pakistan. Where the glories of Islam shine bright and Muslims treat other Muslims with greatest love and respect, and they definitely dont kill each other here. Anyone who says otherwise is a liberal fascist and on the payroll of RAW and CIA.
They should be accommodated in Defence and Islamabad.
Now indians will say we don't have any right to complain instead of condemning this act!!
And still liberals deny their sufferings..