For the first time, the Burmese regime on Monday held an Armed Forces Day ceremony at its new capital, Pyinmana.

According to one Pyinmana resident, people attending the ceremony had to show security cards issued by the government, otherwise they were barred from entering.

The resident, who declined to give a name, said most of those attending were government officials, or interest groups associated with the regime. The place used for the ceremony was 11 kilometers from Pyinmana.

He said that since junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe arrived in the new capital last month, security had been increased, with check points into the area, including villages outside the capital.

The ceremony was on live TV. One viewer said 12,700 soldiers were inspected by Than Shwe, standing in a car.

In his speech, Than Shwe said: “Our military should be worthy heirs to the traditions of the capable military established by noble kings Anawrahta, Bayint Naung and Alaung Phaya U Aung Zeya,”

While the Pyinmana celebration was taking place, Burma’s leading opposition party, the National League for Democacy, and a veteran politicians’ group were holding their own celebrations in Rangoon, the old capital. The celebrations were for the 61st anniversary of Resistance Day, the former name of the Armed Forcers Day.

While the NLD held its ceremony at its headquarters, the politicians’ group held its celebration at the home of Thakhin Thein Pe, who fought for Burma’s independence from British colonial rule. Well-known former student leader Min Ko Naing joined 150 people at the ceremony.