Yangon: Myanmar`s military government has held an unusually low-key ceremony marking Armed Forces Day, as anticipation mounts that it will soon turn over power to a nominally civilian administration.
The holiday commemorates the day when the Army rose up against Japanese occupation forces 66 years ago. It is usually is observed on a grand scale with a military parade and a speech by the country`s military leader in the capital, Naypyitaw.
There was no explanation given for why the ceremony was cut back for the first time since the junta took power in 1988.
However, the move comes as rumours swirl that a military-dominated civilian government formed after elections last year will soon be officially sworn in, perhaps in the next few days.
Bureau Report
