YANGON, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 112 people including 61 women have been killed and 72 others injured in renewed sectarian riots occurred in six townships in Myanmar's western Rakhine state over the past five days, according to local official sources Friday.
The number of death toll was compiled as of Friday's noon, U Win Myaing, Rakhine State spokesman told Xinhua, adding that measures are being taken to bring back the situations to normal.
During the riot, 2,319 houses were destroyed in arson fire in six townships -- Myaebon, Mrauk U, Kyauk Phyu, Minbya,Yathedaung and Kyauktaw. A substantial number of people were left homeless.
The local authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 7 p.m. (local time) to 5 a.m. in Minbya and Mrauk U since Oct. 22 night as the riot escalated there.
According to locals, the violence resumed on Oct. 21 night when both sides were starting burning down each other's houses in the village of Minbya Township. The riot rapidly spread to Mrauk U, Kyaukphyu and Myebon in the following days.
Myanmar President's Office Thursday issued a statement warning that manipulators behind recent Rakhine sectarian conflict will be exposed and legal action will be taken against them.
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 nine so far.
During the early period of the incident in May-June, altogether 50 people were killed, 54 people injured and over 61,462 people victimized. A total of 2,230 houses, 14 religious building were burnt down as of June 14, forcing the victims to take shelter at relief camps.
A series of bloody incidents, which took place in May-June, triggered deadly unrest and violence in the Rakhine state starting with Maungtaw township on June 8.
Myanmar government, on Aug. 17, formed a 27-member investigation commission to investigate into the real cause of the conflict in the western Rakhine state in May-June that have undermined peace and stability and the regional rules.
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