Blast during Myitkyina Water Festival

BUDDHISTS HELD WATER FESTIVAL IN MYITKYINA.

The sound of a loud explosion rocked the Burma’s northern Kachin state capital of Myitkyina on Saturday evening.  The blast occurred at about 9 pm while party goers were enjoying concerts as part of Burmese Water Festival known as Thingyan.

According to witnesses, the blast appeared to come from the downtown area but it is unclear what damage has occurred or if anybody what was injured.

Following the incident the concert stopped and most of the audience quickly returned to their homes.

Since fighting broke out last June between the Burma army and the Kachin Independence Organization, the Kachin capital has seen several lethal explosions.  Following the previous incidents Burmese government authorities and state media have been quick to blame the KIO which has strongly denied any involvement in attacks on civilian areas.