An urban guerrilla group bombed a pandal (stage) being built for the junta-organised Thingyan New Year water festival in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, on the afternoon of 9 April.

The Revolutionary Force For Justice (TRFFJ) claimed responsibility for the attack on the pandal, which took place near the Township Administration Office.

TRFFJ also said that no innocent passers-by were injured by the explosion.

A representative of the group said: “More mine attacks will be carried out if military supporters celebrate the water festival at the pandal and we will not be responsible if anyone there is injured. This was a warning attack.”

Defence forces from various districts have warned people not to attend junta-organised Thingyan water festivities.

In recent days defence forces have attacked the pandal in the People’s Square in Yangon and main pandal in Bago City.

Resistance forces also warned the public that the junta might carry out false flag attacks on pandals by bombing them and blaming the explosions on defence forces to discredit them.

A youth from Mon State’s Ye Township said: “The junta knows that the Burmese people want to have fun, so they are organising events for youths. As for me, I will not be participating at all in any of their events.”