Myanmar declared a state of emergency

President Thein Sein has declared a state of emergency in western Myanmar following deadly clashes between local Buddhists and Muslims. State television on Sunday said a dusk to dawn curfew had been imposed in the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe and three other townships. Public gatherings of more than five persons were also banned.

The move follows rioting on Friday in two other areas of Rakhine state that, according to state media, left at least seven people dead and 17 wounded, and saw hundreds of houses burned down.

Official accounts blamed the rioting in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships on 1,000 "terrorists", but residents' accounts made clear they were Muslims, apparently retaliating for the June 3 lynching of 10 Muslims by a crowd of 300 Buddhists.