 He replaced Thein Aung, who vacated his seat to take the post of Deputy Minister for Industry in the government of President Thein Sein.In March 2013, Meiktila was the site of anti-Muslim riots that left more than 40 people dead, including 32 teenage students at the Mingalar Zayone Islamic Boarding School.Win Htein, who attempted to intervene to stop the riots, later said the violence made him "ashamed to be from Meiktila", prompting anger from Buddhist constituents and a failed attempt to recall him from the Pyithu Hluttaw.