TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Myanmar President Thein Sein announced a state of emergency in the Kokang region after clashes erupted between insurgents and government soldiers last week.
Through a television broadcast, Thein Sein said that martial law would be imposed in the Kokang self-administered region for three months effective immediately. During last week's clash, 47 government soldiers died and at least 73 others injured.
Kokang is a region occupied by the minority ethnic group in Myanmar and borders with China. Rebels of Kokang demands greater autonomy and have refused to sign a peace agreement with the government.
With the state of emergency, the administrative rights and responsibility, and the rule of law in Kokang will be controlled by Myanmar's military commander.
In 2009, Kokang forces have lost fighters and territory during the battle against Myanmar's military. Since then, fighters have regrouped to battle the government.
CNN | MYANMAR TIMES | MARIA RITA
