India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Myanmar government declared a state of emergency in western coastal Rakhine state Sunday night. The declaration, aired by the state radio and television, was signed by President U Thein Sein who also delivered an address to the whole nation in a live broadcast at the same time. The declaration had to be made as unrest and violence in the country's Rakhine state escalated despite imposition of curfew in some six areas in the state, making it impossible for the government to effectively carry out its administrative work in the region, it said. The declaration was also aimed at bringing people's security, peace and stability back to normal as soon as possible, it said, adding that the armed forces will be used to help carry out duties effectively. Unprecedented unrest and violence have been occurring in Myanmar 's Rakhine state, in which six areas have been placed under curfew since Friday night after many residential houses, shops of local ethnic Rakhinese, especially those in Maungtaw, were set fire or destroyed with killing and looting committed. During the Maungtaw violence which was sparked on Friday about noon, 7 people were killed and 17 others injured with 494 residential houses, one guest house and 19 shops from eight villages being put to fire or destroyed and properties robbed, according to earlier official report. The six areas where curfew order has been imposed are Maungtaw, Buthidaung, Sittway, Thandwe, Kyaukphyu and Ramree. The curfew, which bans gathering of more than five people, takes effect from 6 p.m. (local time) to 6 a.m.. until it is re- announced. Widespread threat of group arson and destruction still prevailed in the areas.

Myanmar Govt declares state of emergency in Rakhine