Burma religious riots in Kyaukse (update)

October 24, 2003

At least 11 people died when religious riots between Buddhists and Muslims broke out on 19 October in Kyaukse, Mandalay Division. Until now no one knows why the religious riots started. The authorities have continued to sever telephone contacts in Kyaukse.

According to latest reports, over 200 people including monks and the Muslim faithful involved in the religious riots were detained at Kyaukse Jail. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in Kyaukse.

Chief of Special Operations Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Central Military Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, and party are in Kyaukse to inspect and carry out investigations.

During the religious riots, two Muslim mosques including the Kan-U Mosque and over 40 houses were torched and destroyed in Kyaukse. Many were killed trapped inside their burning houses.

The effect of religious riots in Kyaukse has been felt in Mandalay and local residents said authorities have stationed security forces in the vicinity of the mosques in Mandalay.

Moreover, passenger buses plying between Kyaukse and Mandalay have been suspended till further notice while security has been beefed up at the city toll gates.