Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Singapore witnessed its first riots in 40 years, leading to the arrest of 27 people.
The riot started after a 33-year-old Indian national was killed by a private bus in "Little India" where Indian and Bangladeshi foreign workers live. Around 400 foreign workers took to the streets and chased the private bus, driven by a Singapore national, and set fire to police cars.
Tensions in Singapore have been on the rise as of late due to the influx of foreign workers, many of whom hail from South Asia. Singapore has been named one of the safest cities in the world and has not seen riots since the 1969 communal riots which lasted for seven days and resulted in four deaths and 80 wounded.
"Whatever events may have sparked the rioting, there is no excuse for such violent, destructive, and criminal behavior," said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
"I want to make very clear that the government will not tolerate such lawless behavior. I have asked the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and deal with all aspects of this incident and all persons involved strictly, firmly and fairly according to our law," he said.
[Bernama]
[CNBC]
