YANGON, July 22 (Xinhua) -- A dusk-to-dawn curfew that was imposed on seven townships in Myanmar's second largest city of Mandalay in the north has been reduced as these areas have seen stable, according to an injunction of Mandalay district administration published Tuesday.

Under the injunction, curfew hours were cut by two hours which is from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. instead of from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time.

The reduced curfew hours are effective from Monday night, it said.

Sectarian riot broke out in Mandalay on July 1 over an alleged rape case in which two people died and 17 other injured.

Following the riot, all seven townships in Mandalay have been placed under curfew since July 3.

The Myanmar authorities have arrested 42 suspects for their involvement in the riot and they were charged with murder cases, arson, causing harm, incitement and illegal possession of weapons.

The police authorities are tracking down more suspects, saying that further arrests are being expected.

Meanwhile, a total of 346 other people were arrested and charged for violation of curfew order. Of them, 145 people have been released, according to earlier report.