A Tatmadaw (Burmese Government Army) soldier was killed and four other soldiers sustained injuries after a roadside bomb exploded during the final day of Shan New Year near the border town Muse in northern Shan State. At the time of reporting these casualties couldn’t be independently by confirmed by S.H.A.N.
An organizer said people were terrified after hearing the explosion. “Out of town participants from Namhkang and other areas didn’t dare return home and stayed the night at relatives, or in monasteries in Muse.”
Government soldiers aggressively questioned people for several hours after the explosion happened beside the highway near Sai Khoung village, Sai Aik told S.H.A.N. “They were very rude,” he said, explaining how many returning from the festival were body searched and their motorcycles inspected for bombs.
Muse and Namhkang townships are about 17 miles from the Tatmadaw’s brigade No. 88. Many of the state’s ethnic armed groups such as the Shan State Progressive Party/ Shan State Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, Restoration Council of Shan State and people militia forces are also active in the area.
English version translated by Aung Myat Soe, edited by Brennan O`Connor
