(AFP: November 4, 2003)

YANGON, Nov 2: Myanmar's monks have been ordered to observe a curfew, monasteries and mosques are under surveillance after violence between Buddhists and

Muslims left a dozen dead, including a pregnant woman.

The unrest broke out in Kyaukse on Oct 19 during festivals to mark the Buddhist Lent, including competitions and festivities centered on Buddhist monasteries, and spread to the city of Mandalay and then here, unnerving the ruling military.

Eyewitness reports obtained by AFP said after a minor dispute over one of the competitions a stone was thrown into a monastery compound, sparking anger among the monks who wrongly believed the occupants of a nearby mosque were responsible.

Several Muslims were injured in the ensuing rampage. Others were taken into the homes of their Buddhist neighbours for protection.

Despite the resolution of that conflict, exaggerated rumours spread to politically active monks in Mandalay who traveled to Kyaukse, sparking deadly riots and fires.