Plans to hold a mass gathering organized by Buddhist and Muslim leaders in Burma’s second largest city were called off on Wednesday after the chief minister of Mandalay Division refused to give permission to hold the event. Buddhist monks and Muslim mullahs were planning to preach for peace and an end to recent religious strife in Arakan State, amid growing fears that the wave of violence in the remote northwestern region could spread to other parts of the country. According to the authorities, the event was canceled because the organizers did not ask for permission seven days in advance.