Myanmar sentences 7 more culprits to prison terms for Meikhtila riot

A Myanmar township court has sentenced seven more criminals to two to 17 years' prison term respectively in connection with a riot in Meikhtila in northern Mandalay region in March, official media reported Wednesday. The seven defendants were sentenced Tuesday for killing a Buddhist monk and committing arson attack on an education office during the riot. In April, three defendants were sentenced to 14 years' prison term each for stirring the riot. The series of riots were sparked by a brawl between buyers and sellers over a bit of gold clip at a gold shop in Meikhtila on March 20. Myanmar President U Thein Sein declared a state of emergency in four townships in Meikhtila district -- Meikhtila, Wandwin, Mahlaing and Thazi-- on March 22 as communal riot escalated. A total of 44 people have been killed and 90 others injured with 1,818 houses and 80 shops burnt and destroyed. Local residents in Meikhtila has returned their normal life after the turbulence. However, the parliament, in its special session, has extended the state of emergency over Meikhtila to 60 more days.