Myanmar regime bans New Year festivities in popular area

 

Myanmar's military government has banned New Year's celebrations at a popular lake spot near Yangon University's campus because raucous students have turned the festivities into mayhem in past years, a state-run newspaper said Friday.

 

The country's rowdiest New Year's festivities have taken place at the banks of Inya Lake for a few years. The celebrations have included open brawls, drinking sprees and dancing on top of passing cars.

 

"Revelers who destroy potted plants, lawn, garden umbrellas and lamp posts on the Inya bank will have severe legal action" taken against them, said the announcement, signed by the local peace and development committee, in the Myanma Ahlin daily.

 

Min Zeya, 22, has rung in New Years at the lake with his friends each of the past three years.

 

"I am very disappointed with the announcement. This is the only place where all young people can gather once a year and enjoy full freedom," he said.

 

Myanmar ushers in the country's traditional New Year in April, but thousands of people celebrate on Dec. 31 in their homes, or at restaurants and hotels.

 

AP   

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