Explosions occurred in Manaung on December 19 before the arrival of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who visited Manaung to attend the opening ceremony of a solar power plant built in Khaohnmaw Village in the township, sources said.

“I heard three bombs exploded near Ngaarn Village in the township and it is very likely that the explosions occur,” said MP Thein Maung of Manaung Constituency.

Security is tightened in Manaung since recent days due to the State Counsellor’s visit.

“The report said three bombs exploded at the same time in Manaung around 6:30 am and no one had injuries in the explosion. Police can answer about it in details. The explosions occurred near Manaung Hotel. It is away from the place where the public meeting held,” said Col. Win Zaw Oo, spokesperson of Western Command.

The explosions occurred at a roadside in front of a cemetery in Ngaarn Village and no one had injuries in the explosion, according to a report from MOI Web portal of Ministry of Information.

“We are worried about our leader as she cannot be replaceable. We think all problems in Myanmar including armed conflicts are depending on a political issue. All ethnic armed groups and organizations need to make negotiations as quickly as possible. Is it a threat to the leader? At least we can expect it when we go to the place where armed conflict exists,” said Dr Myo Nyunt, spokesperson of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD).

The government delegation led by the State Counsellor arrived in Manaung at 9 am and left at 11:30 am.

Manaung is located on an island and no explosions have occurred in the township before.

The case is under investigation by the police.