Anti-Muslim attacks spread to southern Burma

DVB ( 29 October 2003 )

Anti-Muslim attacks which started in central Burma are spreading to the capital Rangoon in the south of the country. On 25 and 26 October, a group of Buddhist ‘monks’ raided the properties of local Muslims in Thinganggyun Township and the owners were attacked and their properties destroyed.

Although the authorities arrested and detained the attackers of a local businessman, U Htay Kywe on the 25th, most of the local people believe that the authorities themselves systematically organised the assaults from the evidence they have seen. He was hospitalised and had 9 stitches for the wounds he received on his head. The unprovoked attacks were committed by some ‘monks’ and normal civilians. The attackers also poured petroleum on him while they were demanding money from him but they didn’t burn him, according to a local resident.

On the 26th, the attackers also went on the rampage and attacked the owners and employees of local Muslim restaurants.

Meanwhile, threatening letters were sent to the homes of Muslims in Moulmein, Mon State and their homes were thrown with stones and local security forces are ‘guarding’ their homes.