Al Qaeda Group cited at press conference of Rakhine State

http://eversion.news-eleven.com/index.php?option=com_content&view...

HOME

WEEKLY ELEVEN NEWS

BI WEEKLY ELEVEN NEWS

2011 SPECIAL ISSUE

SPORTS

Al Qaeda Group cited at press conference of Rakhine State

Reported by EMG Team Translated and Edited by MYA

Weekly Eleven News Roundup on riots in Rakhine State on 15 June Al Qaeda Group cited at press conference of Rakhine State Protest against foreign medias false reporting in front of British Embassy Daw Aung San Suu Kyi calls for precise citizenship laws in Myanmar Press statement of Hilary Clinton skips out Rakhine ethnic Private banks will start giving debit card service in Myanmar Coca-cola returns to Myanmar after 60 years Roundup on riots in Rakhine State on 14 June

A press conference was held at the Rakhine State Chief Minister Office by the Rakhine State Governments Information Committee at 5 p.m. on 14 June 2012 at which Al Qaeda Group was referred in connection with the situation over the recent riots in Rakhine State. At the press conference, clarifications were made by Rakhine State Border and Security Minister Colonel Htain Lin and Rakhine State Legal Chief U Hla Thein on the current situation, rescue activities and the damages sustained. The clarifications included that 2528 houses were burned down out of which 1192 were owned by Rakhine nationals and 1336 owned by Muslims; that 9 Buddhist monasteries, seven mosques, and one school building were blazed down; that 29 persons died and among them were 13 Rakhine nationals and 16 Muslims. The colonel continued, The loss of life and property were sustained from 8 to 13 June. A total of 29 deaths with 38 injured and 2528 houses burnt down. We have established 37 rescue camps and placed 31,884 refugees in various townships in Rakhine State. There may be some people outside the shelters. In Sittwe, we have opened up 15 shelters for 5,690 Rakhine nationals. There are two refugee camps for Muslims who have evacuated, numbering about 18,886. When we calculated both Rakhine nationals and Muslims, it comes to 24,576 in Sittwe area. He continued, There are 14 camps in Rathetaung Township. The Rakhine nationals have opened up shelters at appropriate venues such as monasteries and schools to shelter 3,104 persons. There are four camps in Ponnakyun with 2,704 persons. In Pauktaw, there are two Muslim camps with 1,500 refugees. The Colonel continued, The situation is under control since yesterday. Last night we arrested persons in two places who were attempting to set fire on the houses. We found 25 Molotov cocktail also known as gasoline bombs, 34 empty bottles for making petrol bomb, assorted knives, sharp weapons, and iron bars. First we arrested 23 persons in Konedan Ward of Sittwe and then another 6 persons, totaling 29 persons. We will take action according to law. At the moment, the situation is now under control. He continued, The situation is much better today as the shops, banks, offices are functioning. We have formed rescue and rehabilitation teams and necessary tasks are being carried out. We have arranged to re-establish the administrative machinery and things are under control. Security Minister of the Rakhine State Government Colonel Htain Lin hinted that Union Government might clarify the links with Al Qaeda Group over the riots in Rakhine State. He said, The connection with the Al Qaeda Group might be systematically clarified by the Government soon. On our part, we have no substantive activities of Al Qaeda Group in our jurisdiction. When the reporter from the Eleven Media Group asked whether there is any news of finding bullets at the Mosque in front of Lawka Nanda Pagoda, the colonel answered that so far they have not receive such news on seizing bullets.

Security officer arrests U Kyaw Hla Aung of AZG Myanmar announces top taxpayers

1 of 2

6/17/2012 1:15 AM

Al Qaeda Group cited at press conference of Rakhine State

http://eversion.news-eleven.com/index.php?option=com_content&view...

Next, the EMG reporter asked whether a person from UN agency or INGO in Rakhine State was arrested or not, the Colonel refused to make comment as the case under referral was not from his jurisdiction. Rakhine State Legal Chief U Hla Thein told the reporters that the events that occurred in Rakhine State yield nothing beneficial but great loss. He said, Things had gone astray and no one benefited. However, some wild ones with sinister agenda may be pleased a bit. We sustained heavy loss. Therefore, we do not want to see such incidents in any part of our country. These two peoples living side by side for many years have been incited and provoked, leaving their mind-set with malice and hatred to some persons who are lack in knowledge. Every citizen in the country has the responsibility to cooperate with right outlook. When one looks into the balance sheet of this sad event, it shows the great loss to both sides.

CONTACT US

ABOUT US

Eleven Media Group. All rights reserved.

2 of 2

6/17/2012 1:15 AM