Mizzima News

Rangoon: A bus carrying foreign tourists coming back from the Naga festival turned turtle yesterday injuring 20 persons including foreigners.

The Naga festival was jointly organized by Burma's Ministry of Hotel and Tourism and private firm Diamond Palace Tour Company. It was held from January 14 to 16. The bus carrying over 40 foreigners coming back from the Naga festival overturned in Lashi Township, Sagaing Division on Wednesday.

Some French tourists, tour guides, staff from Hotel and Tourism Department and a reporter were among the injured.

The festival was held in remote place. The foreign guests had to first go to Hommalin from Mandalay and then cross Chindwin River and proceed to Htamanthi. Finally they reached Lashi Township.

This festival has been celebrated annually since the ousted Prime Minister Khin Nyunt's era. Foreign based Naga organizations are criticizing the regime for exploiting the Naga race and their customs for their own benefit.