Police officers watch over in front of the X2O water pavilion, where three bombs exploded on last year Thursday, during Thingyan, Burma's new year water festival, in central Yangon April 16, 2010.
Fear of bombings will reduce the number of Rangoon residents taking part in this week's Buddhist New Year water festival, according to local people. At least 10 bystanders were killed and 170 injured as three bombs exploded during last year's celebration. Many people will apparently stay away this April in case of a repeat attack, despite large numbers of security guards being deployed and safety equipment set up around water-throwing pavilions.
Instead of joining crowds on busy streets in the city, many young people have traveled out of Rangoon to relax or meditate elsewhere, said sources in the former capital.
Bo Bo Zaw, an organizer of the X20 water-throwing pavilion in Rangoon, said during a press conference at the city's Rich Coffee House on Saturday, “People are very afraid of coming to enjoy the water festival even though we have good security arrangements.”
Burmese authorities also ordered those who want to set up private water-throwing pavilions during this year's festival to expect bomb-searching equipment, and to create a small space nearby where vehicles could be checked for explosives.
Owners of pavilions are also required to install CCTV cameras, hire security guards and cooperate closely with the authorities, said a senior police official in Rangoon.
The deadly bomb blasts last April took place near the X20 water-throwing pavilion by Rangoon's Kandawgyi Lake. A senior military officer was amongst those killed, and some residents believe it was an unsuccessful attempt by militant dissidents to assassinate Nay Shwe Thwe Aung, the grandson of Snr-Gen Than Shwe.
