A bomb exploded at a pagoda festival on January 7 in Anan Kwin Village, Kyar Inn Seik Gyi Township, Karen State, according to Karen sources. Four people were killed, while about forty others were injured.

Karen turn out to celebrate hassle-free New Year in Tavoy. (Photo: karennews.org)

The bomb exploded around 11 pm at a restaurant in a corner of the festival site while an opera troupe was performing for festival attendees, according to an ethnic Mon who drove a car from Three Pagodas to Anan Kwin for the festival.

“All of those who died were Karen,” he said.

It is unknown who detonated the bomb at the festival. In the meantime, many people are angry that the bomb killed innocent people, according to the driver.

“Many people are angry about this. They are saying, ‘Let them fight each other if they want, [let government troops and troops from Karen armed groups fight each other], but they should not target civilians’,” said the car driver.

Anan Kwin Village is under the control of Burmese government troops from the Military Operations Command (MOC) No.19, which is under the control of the Military Southeast Command in Moulmein.

Meanwhile, the troops from MOC No. 19 have blocked all vehicles from traveling in the area due to the ongoing bomb investigation. This is causing problems for people who traveled to the village from Three Pagodas Pass in Thanbyuzayat Township.

The village celebrates with an annual festival to let the villagers enjoy entertainment and opera performances.

The incident is the first time a bomb has killed innocent civilians amid ongoing peace talks between the Karen National Union and the Burmese government. 

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