A Burmese ethnic Rohingya man (centre) collapses during a protest in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (March 25th) against the deadly religious riots between Buddhists and Muslims in Meiktila, central Burma. [Mohd Rasfan/AFP]

RANGOON, Burma – The death toll from recent communal rioting in the central Burmese town of Meiktila climbed to 40 after eight more bodies were recovered, state media reported Tuesday (March 26th) according to AFP.

The clashes between Muslims and Buddhists were apparently sparked by an argument in a gold shop on March 20th. Within hours, AFP reported, mosques were burning, houses were destroyed and charred bodies littered the streets.

The state-run New Light of Burma newspaper said the eight new bodies were retrieved from the debris Saturday and Sunday. Sporadic unrest has been reported in other areas near Nay Pyi Taw as well.