RANGON, Myanmar- Police step up patrols as festival season nears

The move is apparently in response to security alerts issued by Western embassies last week about possible attacks in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay this month.

According to the embassy advisories, Myanmar security forces were investigating reports of potential attacks in the three cities on October 16 and October 27.

“We will conduct security measures in the places where Thadingyut will be celebrated, in cooperation with township and district police forces and civil organisations,” the official said.

U Tint Lwin, MP for Pazundaung township constituency 2, said the General Administration Department is overseeing permits for public events during the Thadingyut Festival. “Security will be provided by township and district police forces,” he said. “We’ll do as much as we can to ensure the smooth celebration of the festival.”

Despite the threat to the festivals, which mark the end of the country’s rainy season, people seemed nonchalant about the foreign embassy security alerts. U Tun Thein, a resident of Pazundaung in downtown Yangon, said “People don’t seem to be worried about it. They are going wherever they want, whenever they want,” he said. “They are the kind of people who blame fate when something bad happens to them.”

“I have no doubt the Thadingyut festival will be teeming with people. It’s important to have a strong security force. I want them to provide security for the festival with HD CCTV cameras,” he added.

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Ward administrators issued warnings prohibiting the selling and lighting of fireworks during the festival as part of the security clampdown.

Thadingyut, also known as the Lighting festival, is held on the full moon day of this month – this year October 13 – to mark the end of Buddhist lent.

Tazaungdaing is held on the full moon day of November – this year November 12 – to mark the end of the rainy season. – Translated