400 Myanmars hauled up to avoid religious clashes

(The Sun Daily) – Hundreds of Myanmar workers here were hauled up by police for questioning in a pre-emptive step to avoid violent confrontations resulting from a spillover of sentiments from the racial unrest in Myanmar.

Kuala Lumpur deputy CID chief ACP Abdul Aziz Zakaria said a joint mopping operation with the immigration department was launched on Sunday after several bloody clashes that resulted in the deaths of three Myanmar men, while several others were injured.

He said the ongoing operation was being carried out to avoid other untoward incidents involving foreigners.

Abdul Aziz said to date about 400 foreigners have been detained. However he said most of them were released after their identities and particulars were recorded.

Police sprang into action to contain the matter after more than 10 cases were reported in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor since May 31.

Three Myanmar men were killed in Jinjang, Selayang and Ampang while a dozen others suffered injury when they were set upon by their fellow countrymen.

Police said the attacks were triggered by the escalating friction between Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar.

Police have called up community leaders among Myanmar workers of both religions to discuss ways to prevent further issues of violence among them.