Reports from Burma tell of several disturbances that broke out last week in which crowds of Buddhists staged violent anti-Muslim demonstrations.

The reports say the disturbances began at Sinbyukyun town in the Magwe Division of central Burma, then spread to the nearby town of Chauk.  Unofficial accounts say the riots began following rumors about alleged violence inflicted on Buddhists by members of Burma's Muslim community.

Reports say rioters damaged or destroyed several mosques and homes in Muslim areas.  Security forces are said to be on alert in the central part of the country.