Two women and five men were killed in car and motorcycle accidents during the water festival (locally called Thingyan) in mid-April and a person was stabbed to death in Tamu town, said a Tamu local.

"Most of the deaths occurred from accidents. One person was stabbed by an Indian and the killer escaped to Manipur state in northeast India," said a local.

Two Chins from Thantapin village of Tamu Township were also killed in a motorcycle accident during Thingyan this month, said a local from Thantapin.

"There is much alcohol consumption during the water festival and almost every person is inebriated at the celebration sites. The accidents happened because traffic policemen could not monitor traffic due to a shortage of police personnel," said a local from Tamu town.

Three women and five men totaling eight persons were also killed in Kalaymyo car and motorcycle accidents during the water festival, said a local from Kalaymyo.

A local told Khonumthung that at least 20 persons involved in accidents were admitted in Kalaymyo civil hospital for treatment. - Khonumthung News