Myanmar Declares State of Emergency in Western State After Fierce Mob Violence

Yangon, Myanmar: Thein Sein, Myanmar’s President has declared a state of emergency in the Western Myanmar as tensions between Muslim and Buddhists groups mount to deadly violence.  Given Myanmar dramatic reform in the last few years, this can be detrimental to country’s reputation. This is the first time that a state of emergency has been declared since U Thein Sein has taken office. A state of emergency allows for the military to take control of the Rakhine State, a neighboring state to Bangladesh. The fierce fighting started in the town of Maungdaw and then quickly became evident in Sittwe, the state’ capital and near by villages. Given the latest developments and the inability to resolve the ongoing violent conflict in this Western part of Myanmar, UN has decided to evacuate staff. The country’s reputation for gaining political democracy and foreign investment now rests on shaking grounds.