Myanmar beefs up security, raises alarm over terror threats

A worker (L) smokes a cigarette while waiting for a transport in Yangon yesterday near a parked military vehicle. Myanmar's military government has stepped up security in the capital in a bid to alleviate fears triggered by rumours of impending bomb attacks by "destructive elements.". PHOTO: AFP

The junta warned that anti-government agents were spreading fabricated rumours of forthcoming bombings at schools and crowded places, causing panic in the wake of last month's bomb blasts in Yangon that killed at least 19 people and wounded more than 150.

"At present, the destructive elements invented rumours to the effect that... bombs will explode at busy spots, supermarkets, markets and schools in downtown Yangon with every intention of jeopardising stability, frightening the people, causing business in a state of disorder and manipulating prices for self-interest," the official New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.

"The government and departmental officials are making arrangements to ensure security for the entire national people," it added.

"Likewise, organisations, companies and entrepreneurs are making arrangements for ensuring security at their offices, departments, worksites, crowded supermarkets and cinemas under the supervision of the government."

Security forces on Monday scrambled to various locations around Yangon in reaction to rumours that bombs had been planted at schools and markets.

Classes at several high scho-ols, including a teacher training school near state media offices, were disrupted when panicked parents rushed to collect their children after hearing that bombs had been planted on the premises, one eyewitness told AFP. Similar threats elsewhere also proved false, according to state radio and television announcements.