10 June 2012— As of yesterday morning, a situation which could harm the community peace and tranquillity occurred in Sittway, Rakhine State. Rioters torched residences in wards and tried to commit atrocities holding sticks and swords. Therefore, police members had to control the situation by quelling the rioters, put out the arson attack, and prevented groups from committing killings each other. As there occurred unrest, Section-144 was issued in Sittway Township and arrangements have been made for ensuring community peace and tranquility and the rule of law.

At 11.35 am yesterday a mob set a motorbike of a youth on fire in Mingan (5/6) Ward; in the afternoon, a group from Uyintha village and residents of Mingan Ward (15) hurled stones using catapult against each other which left one injured; in the evening and at night, mobs of two sides showed hostility to each other in Bumay village and Mingan ward; and tried to torch houses and buildings.

Due to these circumstances, local security forces had to control the situation.

This morning, security forces had to control the situation as there were attempts to set houses on fire in Bumay village and Mingan Wards (7,8,9,11,12,13 and 15) and hostility continued. Officials are systematically handling the situation not to cause further disturbances and confrontation between one group and another.

In yesterday’s and today’s incidents, five got injured and they were admitted to Sittway People’s Hospital, and 14 houses were burnt down. Officials are trying to control the situation as the unrest in Sittway harm the stability of the State and the rule of law. Section-144 was issued in Sittway Township and so also in Thandwe, Kyaukpyu and Yanbye Townships for ensuring community peace and tranquillity.—