By Feng Yingqiu
YANGON, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President's Office has issued a statement warning that manipulators behind recent Rakhine sectarian conflict will be exposed and legal action will be taken against them.
"There are persons and organizations who are conducting manipulation in the incidents in Rakhine state behind the scene," said the statement released Thursday.
"Now it is the time when Myanmar has achieved the support and international recognition of its drive for smooth transition in democratization process within the short period of time and when international community is watching ongoing progress in Myanmar with interest," it said.
Ever since sectarian riot broke out in the Rakhine state in May- June, the government had imposed curfew in six riot-hit townships and later declared a state of emergency in Rakhine state.
The government, in cooperation with local people, Myanmar police force and the army, has taken measures to restore the rule of law and community peace.
Besides, it has also made efforts to acquire humanitarian aid for temporarily sheltering, provision of food and healthcare and rehabilitation of victims, according to the statement.
Renewed communal riot in the Rakhine state erupted on Oct. 21 in Minbya and quickly spread to Mrauk U, Kyaukphyu and Myebon in the following days.
Local authorities has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time in Minbya and Mrauk U since Oct. 22.
Rakhine state has been declared since June 10 a state of emergency along with imposition of curfew in six prior townships -- Maungtaw, Buthidaung, Sittway, Thandwe, Kyaukphyu and Yanbye.
The curfew was extended to Kyauktaw on Aug. 8 and then to Minbya and Mrauk U on Oct. 22, bringing the total number of townships under curfew to eight.
Latest official figures show that at least 56 people including 31 women have been killed and 64 others injured in the renewed sectarian riot in the four townships -- Minbya , Mrauk U, Kyaukphyu and Myebon-- since the weekend as of Oct. 24 .
The roit also caused the ruin of over 1,900 houses and eight religious buildings due to arson fire. A large number of people were left homeless.
During the early period of the incident in May-June, a total of 50 people were killed, 54 people injured and over 61,462 affected.
Myanmar government formed a 27-member commission on Aug. 17 to investigate the cause of the conflict in the western Rakhine state. Enditem
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