Myanmar to take action against law breakers involved in Mrauk U incident: state counselor

YANGON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a prompt investigation into Tuesday night's incident in Mrauk U, Myanmar's western Rakhine state, warning of action to be taken against law breakers involved in the clashes in accordance with law.

At least seven people were killed and 12 others injured in the clashes between demonstrators and the police in Mrauk U, according to the Information Ministry.

At a special coordination meeting related to Rakhine state's affairs, Suu Kyi expressed condolences over the death of Rakhine nationals and those injured including the police force members, stressing the need to place emphasis on restoring law and order and peace.

According to Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyee Pu and Police Chief Aung Win Oo who attended the meeting, the incident was sparked by a ban of holding literary show at Nan Taw Yar Gon area in Mrauk Oo to mark the 233rd anniversary of the fall of ethnic Rakhine Kingdom and its loss of sovereignty.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the ban, about 5,000 demonstrators gathered and marched to Rakhine District Administration Office at about 7:00 p.m. local time to lodge a protest.

The number of demonstrators rose to 10,000 after two hours. The situation became worse, forcing the police to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd.

Stoned by the protesters, about 20 police force members were injured with some motor cars, office rooms and windows of the local administration office being destroyed.

A writer and a parliamentary representative of Rakhine state's Ann township constituency, who stirred up sentiment against the government at the literary show, will be charged with treason, the sources said.

Local authorities were taking measures to restore peace and stability in the region. Enditem