Muslim-Buddhist violence rages in Myanmar’s [AKA Burma's] north-west for fifth day

[Dale_M]

Security forces struggled to stem the worst communal violence since Myanmar’s reformist government replaced an oppressive junta last year and vowed to forge unity in one of Asia’s most ethnically diverse countries. Hundreds of Rohingyas have been turned away by authorities in neighbouring Bangladesh after attempting to flee the fighting in boats, say officials and witnesses.

The fighting in Sittwe, capital of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has prompting President Thein Sein to declare a state of emergency, impose dawn-to-dusk curfews and warn that “vengeance and anarchy” could jeopardise the country’s fledgling transition to democracy after nearly 50 years of army rule.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar's government regards the estimated 800,000 Muslim Rohingyas in the country as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and denies them citizenship. Bangladesh has refused to grant Rohingyas refugee status since 1992.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/0...85B17Y20120612

Reports are that Bangladeshi authorities are actively repelling refugees from the fighting.

[sedonaman]

Originally Posted by Dale_M

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/0...85B17Y20120612

Reports are that Bangladeshi authorities are actively repelling refugees from the fighting.

"There are countries where hyping race and ethnicity has led to slaughters in the streets, but you cannot name a country where it has led to greater harmony.” – Thomas Sowell