Myanmar president Thein Sein says his reformist government will not tolerate religious extremism, following a wave of deadly Buddhist-Muslim violence in the former army-ruled nation.
At least 40 people, mostly Muslim, have been killed and mosques burned in several towns in central Myanmar since a new eruption of sectarian strife on 20 March, prompting the government to impose emergency rule and curfews in some areas.
The government has been criticised for failing to control the riots in the predominantly Buddhist country in south-east Asia.
"I would like to warn all political opportunists and religious extremists who try to exploit the noble teachings of these religions and have tried to plant hatred among people of different faiths for their own self-interest: their efforts will not be tolerated," Thein Sein said in a national address.
"In general, I do not endorse the use of force to solve problems. However, I will not hesitate to use force as a last resort to protect the lives and safeguard the property of general public.
"All perpetrators of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he said.
The recent clashes were apparently triggered by an argument in a gold shop in the central town of Meiktila in the Mandalay region that turned into an escalating riot during which mosques were burned, houses razed and bodies left lying in the streets, AFP reports.
However, witnesses say much of the violence appears to be well organised.
Security forces fired warning shots on Wednesday to disperse rioters and dozens of people have been detained. But Muslim leaders have criticised the security forces for failing to stop the attacks.
It is the worst sectarian strife since violence between Buddhists and Muslims in the western state of Rakhine last year left at least 180 people dead and more than 110,000 displaced.
Thein Sein has won international praise for his reform efforts since taking office two years ago following the end of decades of outright military rule.
