Myanmar announces extension of state of emergency in Kokang region

YANGON - Myanmar government formally extended a 90-day period of state of emergency, imposed in Kokang region, Shan state-North, to another 90 days until August 17, according to an order of the President's Office Monday.

A martial law (military administrative order), which was imposed along with the state of emergency with the region, remains effective, the announcement said.

The presidential order was issued in accordance with a proposal passed by the parliament on May 15.

The proposal, submitted to the parliament by Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Wai Lwin on behalf of President U Thein Sein, said the extension is needed as fightings still continue in the region and the situation of politics, security, economy, legal system and administration there has not yet returned to normal.

The previous 90-day state of emergency was declared on Feb 17 following heavy fighting between the government forces and the Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).