Continuing a wave of sectarian violence in western Myanmar, 44 homes were reported torched in Thandwe, Rakhine State, on October 1.
The torched properties include homes in Thabyuchaing, Pauktaw, Shwehlay and Tayawtaw (West Bank) villages, Thandwe Township police officer Kyaw Tint confirmed to Mizzima.
“In the morning, there were arson attacks in two villages,” explained Kyaw Tint. “Fourteen homes in Thabyuchaing village and 20 homes in Pauktaw and Shwehlay were torched. We are trying to take legal action against the people who committed the arson attacks. Moreover, about ten homes in the village of Tayawtaw (West Bank) were gutted by fire.”
“More security forces have been posted [around the area],” he added.
Meanwhile, mobs also destroyed mosques in Kyaukkyi and Thabyuchaing villages, the police officer confirmed.
However, the situation in urban areas of Thandwe reportedly remains calm. According to Thandwe Township administrative chief Kyaw Soe Lwin, “In downtown Thandwe, the situation is calm. The violence broke out in villages that are far from the urban area.”
Nonetheless, regional violence and circulating rumors forced the closure of schools and markets in both urban and rural areas of Thandwe.
“We let the children return to their homes. Various rumors circulated, so living in their homes is best,” explained a middle school teacher living in Sindingalay village in Thandwe Township.
Naing Lin Aung, a member of the Thandwe Social Network, told Mizzima, “Four Rakhine men went to Shwehlay [located between Thandwe and Taungok] via motorcycle. They suffered violence, with one person killed, one injured and the remaining two persons missing. We sent the deceased to the hospital.”
However, in trying to confirm the account of the Thandwe Social Network member, an officer at the Thandwe Township Police Station told Mizzima, “In the morning, small-scale violence occurred. But, no casualties have been filed with the police station.”
Curfew in urban areas of Thandwe has again been set from dusk to dawn – 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. Previously, the start of curfew had been moved back to 9:00 pm.
This latest round of sectarian violence to hit Thandwe began on September 28.
