Burma has formed a commission to investigate deadly sectarian violence in western Rakhine state between Buddhists and the Muslim Rohingya minority in which dozens of people were killed and tens of thousands were displaced.

The state New Light of Myanmar newspaper said Saturday that the 27-member commission is mandated to find the circumstances behind the unrest and find solutions for communities with different religious beliefs to live together in harmony.

Burmese authorities say 87 people have been killed since late May when riots and retaliatory attacks erupted after three Muslim men were blamed for the rape and murder of a Buddhist woman.

The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Burma is a member, pledged Saturday to lend necessary support in addressing humanitarian assistance needed in Rakhine State.