8 Nov 2010

Clashes erupt in eastern Burma

At least three people have killed in clashes between ethnic Karen fighters and government soldiers in eastern Myanmar, a day after the country held its first elections in 20 years.

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Eleven more people were injured when gun and mortar fire hit the town of Myawaddy in Karen State on Monday, government officials told AFP news agency.
Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas, reporting from the Thai border town of Mae Sot said that a stray rocket propelled grenade crossed into Thailand, injuring five people.
"The clashes appear to be between a faction linked to the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and government-backed troops," she said.
"This faction has said it did not support the ceasefire the DKBA signed with the Myanmar government, and have reiterated that they want their own autonomy." 
Our correspondent in Thailand also said that thousands of refugees from Myanmar have crossed the border, and some say they fear government troops will shoot them for failing to vote on Sunday.

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