Demographics
The largest ethnic group in Sittwe is the Rakhine people. Alongside, there are some Burmese from other parts of the country. The vast majority practices Theravada Buddhism, Hinduism or Animism. The Muslim quarter used to be called Aung Mingala, until the muslims were driven out during the 2012 riots in October.
There was a tension between Rakhine and Muslims started with dispute on contracted taxation of a market in May-Jun 2012. A Rakhine mob tried to besieged a Sittwe police station. Police crushed down with gun fires and at least 10 people were hurt and 9 people were detained.
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