The Burmese weavers were arrested by Aizawl police and taken away in a prison van when they were celebrating the water festival in Zawngtui block of Aizawl. The celebrations were organized by the Burmese Social Welfare Association (BSWA) in Aizawl. Most Burmese refugees work in the hand loom industry.

A policeman said that local people complained to the police station about the celebration. A leader of the BSWA told Khonumthung that they had been permitted by local authorities to celebrate the festival but the police rounded up the Burmese weavers, while they were celebrating.

“We organized the festival after Mizoram authorities permitted us. Three security personnel were sent to the spot but I don’t know why they arrested the people,” said a leader of the Burmese community based in Aizawl.

He said that some youths were drunk but they did not misbehave. “We celebrate only once a year. The youths just sang and danced.”

The thirteen Burmese were detained in Bawng Kawng block of Aizawl police station. The Burmese community leaders and handloom owners have requested the police to release them, but they were told them to apply to the court, said a leader of the Burmese community.

Burmese Buddhists are celebrating the water festival from April 13 to 16 this year in Burma as are Burmese outside the country. It ushers in the New Year, where animals are released, alms offered, and homage paid to elders. Water-throwing is forbidden except in the water festival.- Khonumthung News