Rioters torch Buddhist temples, homes in Bangladesh
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1228805/1/.html
Posted: 30 September 2012 1651 hrs
DHAKA: Thousands of rioters torched Buddhist temples and homes in southeastern Bangladesh Sunday in a rare attack against the community over a photo posted on Facebook deemed offensive to Islam.
Officials said the mob comprising some 25,000 people set fire to at least five Buddhist temples and dozens of homes in Ramu town and its adjoining villages, some 350 kilometres (216 miles) from the capital Dhaka.
The rioters claimed the photo allegedly defaming the Koran was uploaded on Facebook by a Buddhist man from the area, district administrator Joinul Bari said.
"They became unruly and attacked Buddhist houses, torching and damaging their temples from midnight to Sunday morning," he told AFP.
"At least 100 houses were damaged. We called in army and border guards to quell the violence," he said, adding that authorities had temporarily banned public gatherings in the area to prevent further clashes.
It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties, and authorities did not say if any of the rioters were arrested.
Buddhists, who make up less than one per cent of Bangladesh's 153 million population, are based mainly in southeastern districts, close to the border with Buddhist-majority Myanmar.
- AFP/ck
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1228805/1/.html
Posted: 30 September 2012 1651 hrs
DHAKA: Thousands of rioters torched Buddhist temples and homes in southeastern Bangladesh Sunday in a rare attack against the community over a photo posted on Facebook deemed offensive to Islam.
Officials said the mob comprising some 25,000 people set fire to at least five Buddhist temples and dozens of homes in Ramu town and its adjoining villages, some 350 kilometres (216 miles) from the capital Dhaka.
The rioters claimed the photo allegedly defaming the Koran was uploaded on Facebook by a Buddhist man from the area, district administrator Joinul Bari said.
"They became unruly and attacked Buddhist houses, torching and damaging their temples from midnight to Sunday morning," he told AFP.
"At least 100 houses were damaged. We called in army and border guards to quell the violence," he said, adding that authorities had temporarily banned public gatherings in the area to prevent further clashes.
It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties, and authorities did not say if any of the rioters were arrested.
Buddhists, who make up less than one per cent of Bangladesh's 153 million population, are based mainly in southeastern districts, close to the border with Buddhist-majority Myanmar.
- AFP/ck