He said: "It was a bomb, there were no other explosive materials [at the site of the blast]. No one was injured by the explosion because there was no one there. We are making inquiries to find out who the culprits were."

Local people suspected that criminals wanted to plant the bomb near to the District Education Department office to disrupt the matriculation exam that was going to be held there from 9 to 18 March.

A local resident said: "The bomb exploded near the District Education Department office. it was meant to disturb the matriculation examination."

Near to Sittwe bomb blast shortly after explosion

One old woman said she had never heard a noise as loud as the explosion in all her life. The noise was heard throughout Sittwe.

The police are examining evidence associated with the explosion, but they have not arrested anyone yet.

Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI