Myanmar to deploy 8,000 security personnel to guard water festival in Yangon

Myanmar authorities will deploy 8,000 security personnel during the upcoming traditional Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar News Agency reported Thursday.

Myanmar's water festival will be celebrated on April 13-16, and Myanmar's new year will fall on April 17.

The security personnel will be made up of 5,000 police force members, 1,000 traffic police and 1,000 firefighters.

The authorities will sober up heavily drunken people and no closed rooms or liquor bars will be allowed on water-throwing pandals.

Police patrol vehicles will be on stand-by in various areas and CCTV cameras will be installed in crowded areas.

According to the authorities, there will be 22 large, 10 medium, and 27 small water throwing pandals in the commercial city.

Security measures will also be in place in popular resting places like Kandawgyi Lake, Inya Lake, Thadu Lake and Hlawga Natural Reserve as well as famous pagodas.

Regional courts will be open in Yangon daily during the festival to enable swift action of cases and complaints.

During last year's water festival, 80 cases were reported in Yangon region, including one death and 24 injuries.

Residents in Yangon have been urged to celebrate this year's Thingyan water festival in a more traditional way.

Among Myanmar's 12 seasonal festivals throughout the year, the Thingyan water festival represents the grandest which is believed to bring peace and prosperity to everyone. Endit