BANGKOK — Burma is being urged to hold accountable those responsible for sectarian violence in March, mainly targeted at Muslims, that left at least 43 people dead, dozens injured, and thousands homeless. The attacks shook Muslim communities and raised concerns about sectarian unrest spreading.
A dispute between a Muslim gold shop owner and a Buddhist customer in central Burma's Meiktila township escalated into three days of mob violence, mainly against the Muslim population.
Satellite photos released Monday by Human Rights Watch show entire neighborhoods burned to the ground, a disturbing echo of last year's clashes in western Rakhine state.
Extremists have learned they can attack Muslims and get away with it, deputy director for Asia Phil Robertson said.
"What we saw in Meiktila was police forces sitting around or standing behind various different mobs as they were attacking mosques and attacking communities. Why weren't they restoring order?" he asked."Why aren't they investigating to find out actually who is behind this? Who, not only committed the violent acts but also who instigated and incited people to do so?
In a national broadcast, President Thein Sein acknowledged the damage done to Burma's image and warned against letting religious tensions spiral out of control and disrupt reforms.
Authorities have announced about 70 arrests in the violence, but it is unclear if those detained will be prosecuted.
