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Uproar in Burma: See the Shocking Photos

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The Burmese government has declared a state of emergency after a third day of riots between Muslims and Buddhists left up to 20 people dead. See photos of the turmoil.

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Xinhua, via Landov; AFP/Getty; Reuters, via Landov; EPA, via Landov
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Up to 20 people are dead in Burma after deadly riots stretched into a third day Friday. The uproar, which began Wednesday, was sparked by an argument between Muslim owners of a gold shop and a Buddhist couple in the central city of Meikthila. The violence has left mosques and other religious buildings burning and charred bodies lying in the streets. Journalists are being denied entry into the region, forcing the media to rely on images and updates from social media. Reports on how many have been killed are varied, with state news claiming only five and other reports as many as 20. Tension has been brewing between Burma’s Muslims and Buddhists since the country was liberated from military rule two years ago. See photos of the turmoil.


Xinhua, via Landov; AFP/Getty; Reuters, via Landov; EPA, via Landov
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A resident watches as black smoke rises from burning houses in riot-hit Meiktila. 

Soe Than Win/AFP/Getty
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 Firemen attempt to extinguish a fire.

Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters, via Landov
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Policemen were deployed. 

Soe Than Win/AFP/Getty
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People carry their belongings as they arrive at a temporary rescue center in Meiktila.

Nyein Chan Naing/EPA, via Landov
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A resident walks past a burned body.

Soe Than Win/AFP/Getty
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Burmese President U Thein Sein declared a state of emergency in four townships in Meiktila District.

Xinhua, via Landov
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Firemen attempt to extinguish fires.

Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters, via Landov
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People ride their mopeds past the remains of two persons killed in the clashes. 

Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters, via Landov
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Riot policemen converge.

Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters, via Landov
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The government's struggle to contain the unrest in Meiktila is proving a major challenge to President Thein Sein's reformist administration as it attempts to chart a path to democracy after nearly half a century of military rule that once crushed all dissent.

AP
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Refugees missing their relatives look on, while new refugees arrive at a stadium amidst riots.

Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters, via Landov
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A policeman and residents stand around the body of a man in the street.

STR/AFP/Getty
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Residents ride a motorcycle past a burning building.

Soe Than Win/AFP/Getty
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Muslim residents evacuate their houses to a temporary relief camp under police escort in riot-hit Meiktila.

Soe Than Win/AFP/Getty