YANGON: Myanmar President Thein Sein yesterday said his reformist government would not tolerate religious extremism, following a wave of deadly Buddhist-Muslim violence in the former army-ruled nation.
At least 40 people have been killed and mosques burned in several towns in central Myanmar since a new eruption of sectarian strife on March 20, prompting the government to impose emergency rule and curfews in some areas.
“I would like to warn all political opportunists and religious extremists who try to exploit the noble teachings of these religions and have tried to plant hatred among people of different faiths for their own self-interest: their efforts will not be tolerated,” Thein Sein said in a national address.
“In general, I do not endorse the use of force to solve problems. However, I will not hesitate to use force as a last resort to protect the lives and safeguard the property of general public,” the former general added.
“All perpetrators of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
The recent clashes were apparently triggered by an argument in a gold shop that turned into an escalating riot during which mosques were burned, houses razed and charred bodies left lying in the streets. But witnesses say much of the violence appears to be well organised.
Muslim leaders urged Sein to take swift action to quell violence, accusing security forces of standing by as rioters went on a rampage.
“These violent attacks include crimes such as arson and massacres which deserve heavy penalties,” four groups, including the Islamic Religious Affairs Council and the Myanmar Muslim National Affairs Organisation, wrote in an open letter to him.
“However, in this situation the authorities neglected to take swift and effective action against the perpetrators who recklessly committed crimes in front of them. Massacres and damage to religious buildings and property are due to the weakness of the responsible authorities to protect and take effective action.”
Nyunt Maung Shein, President of Islamic Religious Affair Council, said the letter was sent to the president’s office on Tuesday but they had yet to receive a reply.
“The stability of the country and the protection of the lives, properties and religious buildings of Muslim communities across the country will be restored only by quick and effective action,” the religious leaders said.
In Washington, an official said the US is monitoring how Myanmar quells violence. AFP
