Myanmar imposes martial law in 63 townships following state of emergency declaration

In this image provided by The Myanmar Military True News Information Team, Myanmar's military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, center, speaks during a meeting with members of the National Defense and Security Council on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. -- The Myanmar Military True News Information Team via AP

YANGON (Xinhua): Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) on Thursday declared martial law in 63 townships shortly after declaring a state of emergency in those areas, the state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television reported.

In the martial law order, the junta transferred the executive and judicial duties of the townships to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, the report said.

The martial law was imposed to restore normal administrative conditions, peace, and the rule of law in the townships, the report said.

The townships placed under martial law included five in Kachin state, three in Kayah state, two in Kayin state, seven in Chin state, nine in Sagaing region, five in Magway region, three in Mandalay region, 14 in Rakhine state, and 15 in Shan state, the report said.

According to the order, the martial law will be in effect for 90 days. - XInhua