Myanmar authorities confirms 11 die in Meikhtila riot

The Myanmar authorities confirmed Friday night that 11 people have died and 39 people injured in a communal riot in Meikthila, northern Mandalay region over the last three days.The state radio and TV said in a broadcast that 152 houses, one education office and 13 religious buildings were burnt with two motor vehicles and three motor cycles being destroyed.On Friday, Myanmar President U Thein Sein declared a state of emergency in four townships as riot escalated after its outbreak on Wednesday.The four townships include Meikhtila, Wandwin, Mahlaing and Thazi.The declaration was made in view of the fact that administration in the regions can not be carried out effectively by local authorities and for the sake of security, stability and tranquility, the announcement said.Under the state of emergency, the armed forces would intervene for the restoration of law and order, the announcement added.Arson and looting continued on Friday, local sources said.The riot was sparked by a brawl between buyers and sellers over a bit of gold clip at a gold shop on Wednesday.Since the first night of the incident, local authorities imposed curfew on Meiktila banning the gathering of people of more than five in an initial bid to restore peace and tranquility.The authorities have warned that effective action would be taken against those who led the riots to disrupt community peace.So far, more than 3,000 people were left homeless out of the population of around 500,000 in Meikhtila.