Violent attacks in western Myanmar national concern: government

Myanmar government is considering the issue of recent violent attacks in Rakhine state, westernmost of Myanmar, as national concern and seeking a long-term solution , official media reported Wednesday.

The Union government has sent an 11-member mission led by Minister for Information U Pe Myint on Monday to Rakhine state to inform residents about the situation of the attacks.

The mission met with local people, departmental employees and their families as well as representatives from political parties and Islamic religious organizations in Sittway, the capital of Rakhine state.

U Pe Myint described the issue as a deep, sober and vulnerable one, saying that the government has taken approach for the stability of the area.

In Maungtaw district, curfew has been imposed since Sunday due to the attacks on three border posts with Bangladesh by dozens of armed men on Saturday night.

During the attack, nine policemen were killed with five being injured and one going missing. A total of 51 assorted arms, 10,140 rounds of ammunition, one bayonet and 28 cartridges of bullets were taken by the armed men.

On Tuesday, Myanmar government troops were attacked again by 300 violent armed men while they were conducting area clearance campaign and four soldiers were killed, one injured.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has told the media that the government will take legal action without accusing anyone in absence of strong evidence. Endit