BBC Suspected arson attack on Bur

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Subject: BBC   Suspected arson attack on Burmese pagoda 


Suspected arson attack on Burmese pagoda

Reports from Burma say there's been a suspected arson attack on the
recently-renovated Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon.

An official newspaper said the fire was extinguished within fifteen minutes
of being spotted last Saturday.

It caused slight damage to the ornamental ceiling above a staircase leading
to the pagoda.

Firelighting materials were found near the scene of the blaze and the
Burmese authorities say they are investigating its cause.

Huge crowds attended a lavish ceremony last week marking the restoration of
the pagoda, which is Burma's most venerated Buddhist shrine.

But correspondents say there was some discontent over the way in which
Burma's military government handled the renovation.