Arson Attack In Maungdaw Market By Rakhine Extremists

RB News 

November 23, 2013

Maungdaw, Arakan – The municipal market of Maungdaw Township in Arakan State was set fire by an unknown Rakhine extremist group at about 7 pm local time. 

According to RB’s correspondent, they set fire in market at about 7 pm and the security force had everything under control by the at 8 pm. 

There are about 400 shops in the market. 95% of the shops are owned by Rohingyas. The remaining shops belong to Rakhine people. 

Four shops were completely burnt down. Hundreds of Rakhines gathered immediately after the fire started. They looted many things from the shops.

As the so-called civilian government is unable to provide 24 hours of electricity in the region and the whole country, except Naypyidaw, the electricity was due to come on at 6 pm to 10 pm today. It didn’t come on in time. It didn't until 7:40 pm. The communication of the telephone and mobil lines were also incommunicado. Service was restored at the same time, 7:40 pm. 

Afterwards, the fire brigade arrived and extinguished the fire. As the Rakhines were looting things from the shops, they confronted the security forces who were stopping them from looting. This according to local residents in Maungdaw.

The security forces arrived at the market at 8 pm. No arrests were made.