The security forces could safely destroyed a hand-made bomb planted in an attache case on Bogyoke Aung San Street in the front of Taunggyi Myoma Market in Shan State yesterday.

On the third day of Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Hot Air Ballon Festival, a hand-made bomb and other suspicious plastic bags were found near Taunggyi Myoma Market, according to Taunggyi Township Police Station.

Garbage bags were found on the second floor of Taunggyi City Square Center and in the north of Taunggyi Myoma Market. Bogyoke Aung San Street reopened at 5 pm.

Police Major Kyaw Soe, head of Taunggyi Myoma Police Station said: “We got a news that a suspicious attache case was found on Bogyoke Aung San Street in the front of Taunggyi Myoma Market, at around 2 pm. The police head and captain Aung Zin Oo from the BE and members rushed to the scene where the suspicious attache case was found. The security force exploded the suspicious attache case safely. No one was injured in the incident. The police have deployed more than 700 police members at Tazaungdaing hot air balloon releasing ground. I would like to urge the public to inform the police stations and Tatmadaw as quickly as possible if suspicious materials are found. Everybody has a duty to inform the security forces for the public safety.”

Due to the incident, Taunggyi Myoma Market and Taunggyi City Square Center were closed. The security forces were carrying out mine clearance operations on the festival ground after the release of hot-air ballons was temporarily suspended at 4 pm.

Taunggyi Tazaungdaing festival organizing committee issued a statement that more security forces have been deployed for the public safety. The police have launched an investigation into the case.