Police arrest 48 in connection with Thandwe riots

Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Tint, police chief for Thandwe District, said on Sunday that 969 – an extremist group opposed to what they see as Islam’s expansion in a predominantly Buddhist Myanmar - was believed to be one factor behind the violence.

“People with strategic plans were behind the violence. Among the causes of this incident was the spread of 969 [campaign] CDs and instigation via the Internet. That’s why the hatred between the two sides became stronger. There were creators and supporters of the violence. We have arrested them and are investigating them,” said the police chief.

The riot was reportedly sparked after a Kaman man objected to a Buddhist parking his motorcycle with a Sasana Buddhist flag – which are associated with 969’s anti-Muslim campaign – in front of a Kaman-owned shop on September 29. The Buddhist man complained to police that the flag had been insulted. The Kaman was arrested then released on bail, when Buddhist mobs gathered at his house, igniting violence that claimed five lives and injured five others.

“The violence started from an everyday incident, but the situation grew out of control. Both sides have suffered huge loss and suffering, both physically and mentally. That’s why we believe that such things should not be allowed to happen again,” said Kyaw Tint.

Over 480 residents were left homeless and 114 homes destroyed by the violence, which coincided with President Thein Sein’s first visit to the conflict-torn region. 

Three mosques and a petrol warehouse were also burned to the ground by rioters, according to officials.

The Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP), which has been accused of stirring anti-Muslim feeling in the area, will carry out a probe into the Thandwe riots and submit the findings to parliament.

“We will investigate conditions in the area and meet families of those detained [as suspects]. We will ask them why they were arrested? Were they arrested with official warrants? What did they do [during the rioting]? And, does the rule of law really exist in the area?” said RNDP chairman Aye Maung. 

He added that President Thein Sein may not know the true context of the rioting.