Chinese and Burmese gem traders clash in Mandalay
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – A fight broke out between ethnic Chinese gem traders and local Burmese gem traders at a gem market in Mahaaungmyay Township in Mandalay on Monday morning. The gem market was closed after the clash.
Police arrested some participants in a clash between Chinese gem traders and Burmese gem traders at a gem market in Mahaaungmyay Township in Mandalay on Monday, June 27, 2011. Photo: Citizen journalist
The fight started after Chinese traders refused to buy a jewel although they had earlier reached an agreement on the price, according to gem traders at the market.
Although the reason for the fight is not clear, residents said that Chinese traders reportedly assaulted a Burmese trader and Burmese residents came to his defence.
‘Many Burmese people surrounded a shop where the Chinese people were. So police from five townships came to the market. The administrative office ordered the people to disperse, but more and more Burmese gathered. Later, police escorted the Chinese traders out of the market via a police car’, a resident said on his Facebook page.
A police official at Police Station No. 7 in Mandalay said by telephone, ‘It’s a gem market, and it was in a state of turmoil. Officials are still investigating’.
