From National Public Radio
by KRISHNADEV CALAMUR
The government of Myanmar has imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew in three townships amid growing anti-Muslim violence that is drawing closer to the main city of Yangon.
Violence against Muslims has been a major problem in the country as President Thein Sein introduces democratic changes after decades of military rule.
Here’s more from The Associated Press:
“State television reported incidents in the three townships in Bago region, all within 150 kilometers (100 miles) of Yangon. The latest attack Monday night was in Gyobingauk, where it said ‘troublemakers’ damaged a religious building, shops and some houses.
“The report said similar attacks on religious buildings, shops and houses occurred in nearby Otepho and Min Hla on Sunday night. Official reports use the term ‘religious buildings’ in an apparent attempt to dampen passion, though in most cases the targets were reportedly mosques.
“The announcement said an emergency law known as Section 144 would be applied in the three townships which will ban public assemblies, marches and speeches, and impose a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.”
The violence began last week following a dispute between a Muslim goldsmith and a Buddhist couple in the central city of Meikhtila. A curfew was imposed in the city to stem the violence that has killed at least 40 people.
