Tensions between Buddhist and Muslim ethnic groups flared into violent clashes in Meiktila , Mandalay Division in 2013 . The violence started on 20 March after a Muslim gold shop owner , his wife , and two Muslim employees assaulted a Buddhist customer and her husband in an argument over a golden hairpin . A large Buddhist mob formed and began to destroy the shop . The heavily outnumbered police reportedly told the mob to disperse after they had destroyed the shop
violent clashes
2013 Myanmar anti-Muslim riots
Persecution of Buddhists