Myanmar extends state of emergency in Kokang region

The Myanmar government formally extended a state of emergency, imposed in Kokang region in the northern part of Shan state to 90 more days until August 17, according to an order of the President's Office on Monday.

Martial law, which was imposed along with the state of emergency with the region, remains effective, Xinhua news agency reported citing the announcement.

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

The proposal, submitted to parliament by Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Wai Lwin on behalf of President U Thein Sein, said the extension was needed as fighting still continued in the region and politics, security, economy, legal system and administration there has not yet returned to normal.

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