Source: Reuters

Rakhine authorities yesterday ordered people in the state to surrender guns, swords and other weapons to the police within three days or face legal action. The ultimatum indicated that a plot to undermine the law, and destabilize the government has been revealed. Some groups were intending to use homemade of swords, bayonets and many other handheld weapons to carry out pillage and violence in some towns of Rakhine. According to the President’s office, there is evidence of involvement by domestic and foreign political institutions behind the wave of violence. These individuals and institutions are being investigated and will be punished by the law. The UN has voiced ‘deep concern’ about the ethnic violence in Rakhine, and urged the involved parties to restore order.