Death toll increases in Myanmar's Rakhine state

As human tragedy escalates in Myanmar's Rakhine state, 'Asian Tribune' publishes exclusive images depicting miseries of the Muslims- heart wrenching stories of human-beings in desperate and helpless situations are depicted in these images to stir the conscience of the humanity.

According to Myanmar's Rakhine state spokesman U Win Myaing, 67 people were killed instead of 112 in renewed sectarian riots in Myanmar's western Rakhine state over the past five days.

The UN has warned that Burma's reform programme could be put at risk by continued communal violence in the western state of Rakhine.

Latest reports reveled that the riot has spread to one more area of Pauktaw on Friday from the earlier six affected areas -- Myaebon, Mrauk U, Kyauk Phyu, Minbya, Yathedaung and Kyauktaw
It is unclear what prompted the latest clashes. The Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims, believed to be mainly Rohingya, blame each other for the violence.

Security forces struggled to stem Myanmar's worst communal unrest since clashes in June killed more than 80 people and displaced at least 75,000 in Rakhine State.

However, the situation remained calm on Friday after security was tightened, according to the local state government.

Preventive security measures were also taken in some areas where recurrence of riot is anticipated.

According to a latest death toll released by the Information Ministry, 67 people died and 95 others were injured in the renewed sectarian riots which occurred in the seven townships over the past five days as of Oct. 25 since Oct.21.

During the riot, 2,818 residential houses and 18 religious buildings were destroyed in arson fire in the seven townships, leaving a substantial number of people homeless.

Local authorities and security forces are making intensified efforts to keep the situation under control.

In Bangladesh, border officials said they believed several boats with Rohingyas on board were waiting to try to cross the river from Burma. One official said 52 Rohingyas had been sent back in the last few days.

- Asian Tribune -