Myanmar: Demolished Buddhist house mistaken for mosque

By Kyaw Ye Lynn

YANGON, Myanmar (AA) – Authorities reported Friday they demolished an under-construction building in the central Mandalay region following pressure from a Buddhist mob that alleged it was a mosque.

A mob of morethan 100 Buddhists gathered at the two-story house in Kyauk Padaung that is known for its strong anti-Muslim sentiment. The crowd demanded authorities demolish the house and take action against the owners, according to police.

“Due to the fear of unnecessary problems, authorities decided to demolish the house,” police officer Thae Naung told Anadolu Agency.

The house was destroyed Thursday night, he said, adding no one has been arrested.

The demolition happened after a rumor Muslims were building a mosque in the town, said Phyo Tint Khaing, chair of the town’s development committee.

“The mob thinks it was owned by a Muslim, and will be used for worship,” he told Anadolu Agnecy. “They are wrong. A 22-year-old Buddhist man owns the house, and he has no reason to let his house be used as mosque.”

He said authorities, however, were fearful of the situation turning violent or worse if they confronted the mob.

“At that time, people are acting crazily.”

In an online video crowds cheered while authorities demolished the house.