Myanmar declares state of emergency in riot-hit state
Many mosques, homes and schools were burned down.
"At least 20 people have died. We expect the number to rise but we are still unable to get the full figures," a police officer told AFP. Win Htein, a National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmaker in Meiktila, also confirmed the death toll to Reuters.
According to Reuters, President Thein Sein has declared a state of emergency in Meiktila and deployed troops to coordinate with local police to stabilize the situation and restore order. AFP reported that about 50 military trucks have been deployed to Meiktila. A police officer said they have been ordered to be ready to open fire to suppress extremist groups.
The Meiktila conflict began with an argument at a gold shop on March 20, and quickly escalated into violence. The mob targeted Muslim buildings, including mosques.
AFP reported that the atmosphere in Meiktila city has been extremely tense in recent days. Many groups of people - including Buddhists - have armed themselves with knives and sticks when going out. Many mosques, houses and schools have been burned down.
More than 2,000 people left homeless by the conflict have taken to camping in the stadium for temporary shelter.
Most of Meiktila’s Muslim residents have been forced to flee their homes. According to Win Htein, more than 2,000 people who lost their homes in the conflict have taken shelter in tents in the stadium.
“The situation is getting worse. People keep burning down houses and killing people. We try to stay at home and don’t dare go out because we are scared,” AFP quoted a local as saying.
Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon called on the government to act quickly “to prevent further killings and violence.” US State Department spokesman
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