Theft on the Rise at Taung Pyo Festival, Locals Say Police Unresponsive Despite Complaints

In Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, pickpocketing and gold chain snatching at the annual Taung Pyone Nat Festival have become significantly worse than in previous years, and although complaints have been filed against the junta government's fully-armed security militias, no action has been taken, it has been learned.

The Taung Pyone Festival, one of Myanmar's longest-running traditional nat (spirit) worship festivals, is being held from August 21 to 28 in Taung Pyone village, Madaya Township. Tens of thousands of people from various regions are attending daily to pay homage, and theft and robbery incidents are reportedly worse than in previous years.

"Phone thefts and clothing thefts happened in previous years too, but this year it's really bad. Someone had their gold chain snatched right in front of people — they shouted and chased, but the militiamen just stepped in and the thief ran away. When we asked the militiamen for help, they said they only provide security and can't chase thieves or robbers. Just like us, there are 3 people in our group who were robbed — not counting lost phones and wallets — 3 people had their gold chains snatched right off their necks," said an LGBT person returning from the Taung Pyone Festival.

It has also been learned that the militiamen and Pyu Saw Htee (regime informants) are charging people attending the Taung Pyone Festival from various regions 10,000 kyat per car as a village entry fee, 5,000 kyat for parking, and 5,000 kyat per motorcycle for entry plus 3,000 kyat for parking, while taking no responsibility if belongings go missing.

Theft and brawls at the Taung Pyone Festival are reportedly uglier than in previous years. Even when people file complaints with the militiamen and Pyu Saw Htee, no resolution is provided. Instead, those who complain are reportedly told: "There are over 50 people a day coming to the camp to report robbery and theft problems. You're on your own — we're not here to sort those things out."

This year's Taung Pyone traditional nat festival will run until the full moon day of Wagaung, August 28. Nat worshippers, wives of top leaders of the military junta, and officials are also attending, it has been learned.

The Taung Pyone Festival is one of the most crowded festivals in Upper Myanmar. It is a Buddhist pagoda festival held at the Sutaungpyae Pagoda in Taung Pyone village, and is widely known as the Taung Pyone Min Nyi Nat Festival (traditional spirit festival) held in conjunction with the pagoda. The festival is held annually from the 8th to the 15th waxing days of Wagaung, featuring an opening ceremony on the 10th waxing day, the royal bathing ceremony of the two nats on the 11th waxing day, a rabbit-punching festival on the 14th waxing day, and the than-pin (toddy palm) cutting ceremony on the full moon day of Wagaung.