Junta imposes martial law in 60 townships

Min Aung Hlaing has ordered martial law in 60 townships across conflict-hit regions of Myanmar, tightening military control despite a recent transition to civilian rule.

The emergency measures, announced through state media, will remain in force for 90 days. Authorities said the move is necessary to “end armed terrorism” and restore the rule of law in areas still facing instability, reports Reuters.

The order covers townships in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Shan and Rakhine states, along with parts of Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay—regions that have seen intense clashes since the 2021 military takeover.

Under the new directives, executive and judicial powers in these areas have been transferred to military chief Ye Win Oo for the duration of the emergency.

The decision marks a significant step by the military leadership to consolidate authority in war-affected zones following a controversial election earlier this year that brought a military-backed government to power.

Myanmar has remained in turmoil since the 2021 Myanmar coup d’état, when the armed forces ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The move triggered nationwide protests that later evolved into an armed resistance movement.

Although elections were held recently after repeated extensions of emergency rule, critics have widely questioned their credibility, describing them as neither free nor fair.