Myanmar declares state of emergency, martial law in Kokang Region



BANGKOK: -- The Myanmar government on Tuesday announced a state of emergency and the martial law in the Kokang Self-Administered Zone in northern Shan State after a series of clashes between government troops and armed Kokang rebels in the regional capital Laukkai, The Irrawaddy reported.

President Thein Sein said in a statement that despite a curfew imposed in the area since Feb 12 a barrage of attacks by Kokang rebels had forced had forced the government to announce a state of emergency in the region.

In a separate announcement on the same day, the president announced martial law in the Kokang zone, granting administrative and judicial power to Burma Army commander in chief Min Aung Hlaing “for the speedy restoration of law and order in the region.”

Fighting in northeast Burma began on Feb. 9, and has killed at least 47 members of the Burma Army and 18 rebel troops. Thousands of refugees have fled across the border into China as a result of the hostilities.

Meanwhile, a convoy of the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) came under fire by rebel troops on Tuesday as it was traveling near Laukkai, the administrative capital of Kokang Special Region 1.

The convoy, which was carrying MRCS staff and at least two journalists, was attacked while driving between Laukkai and Chin Shwe Haw after an aid mission in the devastated township.

Two members of the convoy were injured during five minutes of fire. Both survived and were transported to Kunlong General Hospital for medical treatment after the convoy spent 30 minutes hiding in a street-side gutter, according to Irrawaddy photographer JPaing, who was traveling with the convoy.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/myanmar-declares-state-emergency-martial-law-kokang-region


-- Thai PBS 2015-02-18

The Myanmar government on Tuesday announced a state of emergency and the martial law

They were getting jealous of Thailand taking all the credit

I was there just 2 weeks ago and got warned each day of the dangers,was told i had to register as a foreigner at a certain office when entering the shan state, went to the office and tried but seemed they could,nt be bothered and told me to carry on and all would be ok.

And the Chinese oil & gas pipeline runs where? Stay tuned.

You have to give Myanmar credit to know WHEN martial law is really needed.

Not when people read 1984 or flash three fingers.

Not when unarmed civilians protest.

Not when universities conduct lectures, seminars and forums.

But Thailand is the Hub of the Universe so it will learn no lessons.