Violence sparks Burma crisis

Sectarian violence in the west of Burma could put the country’s transition to democracy in danger if it spreads further, president Thein Sein said yesterday, as state television announced a state of emergency in the area.

Mr Thein Sein was speaking after three days of violence in the state of Rakhine between Buddhists and Muslim Rohingya, people of south Asian descent who are not recognised as citizens either by Burma or neighbouring Bangladesh.

State television said the president had declared a state of emergency and military administration in Rakhine State in order to restore law and order as soon as possible.

Extra troops had already been flown to the area over the weekend after rampaging mobs had killed at least seven people. Overnight curfews are in force in some towns.

“If we put racial and religious issues at the forefront, there’s a danger that [the troubles] could multiply and move beyond Rakhine,” the president said.