Myanmar (Burma) declared a state of emergency for four townships of Mandalay at 16:00 PM (local time) today.

The emergency decree was signed by President Thein Sein and covers Mahlaing, Meik-hti-la, Tharzi and Wun-dwin townships, state media reported.

The decree was announced because administrative tasks could not be maintained in the townships and to ensure the security of the people and stability of the area, officials said.

A state of emergency allows military troops to be deployed if regional authorities request them.

A curfew imposed on Wednesday night failed to contain the violence.

The rioting began in Meik-hti-la town following a dispute between the Muslim owner of a gold shop and Buddhist customers on Wednesday morning. More than 20 people have been killed and another 47 injured according to local resources but as yet an official death toll is unclear.

A commission to investigate the violence was formed on the same day it began, with Mandalay Region Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Aung Kyaw Moe as its chair. The commission also includes the Meikhtila district administrator as its secretary, and an MP and regional- and district-level police as members.