NAYPYIDAW: The Union Parliament approved a further 90-day extension of the state of emergency in 55 townships on October 16, according to sources.
The proposal to extend the state of emergency in the 55 townships for another 90 days was discussed and supported by MPs on the sixth day of the third regular session of the Third Union Parliament, held on October 16, before being approved by the Union Parliament.
U Soe Paing, a representative of Wuntho Constituency, expressed support for extending the order with the force of law for another 90 days in the 55 townships where administrative functions, community peace and tranquillity, and rule-of-law activities had yet to return to normal, excluding Ngazun Township in Mandalay Region and Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships in Shan State.
He said it was important to take necessary measures in accordance with the law to ensure the rule of law, protect the lives and property of the public, and effectively carry out administrative functions in areas that remained unstable.
He noted that issuing an order or changing the administrative system alone was not sufficient to address an emergency, adding that the effectiveness of such measures must be assessed through tangible results, including improvements in public security and the restoration of access to livelihoods, healthcare and education.
He therefore supported retaining the state of emergency and martial law in the 55 townships that had yet to return to normal, while continuing efforts to improve people's daily lives.
Similarly, U Kaung Thet San, a representative of Hsipaw Constituency, said some organisations in northern Shan State were directly or indirectly reviving militarism, causing various hardships for the public, and that the situation needed to be addressed with caution.
He said that regardless of how the country was governed under militarism, it would eventually have to proceed in accordance with the Constitution and uphold the Three Main National Causes.
He compared the rule of law to a road map and stability and peace to the wheels of a vehicle, saying that without a road map, the destination could be lost, while without wheels, the journey could not continue.
He added that the rule of law and stability and peace must be firmly established as the foundations for the country's successful future. He also expressed strong support for extending the order with the force of law, saying it would contribute to national development and remained necessary to enable the public to live in stability and peace.
The Union Parliament Speaker then sought the Parliament's approval to extend the order with the force of law issued by the President's Office for another 90 days. As no MP objected, the Speaker announced that the extension had been approved.
The 55 townships covered by the extension are located in Sagaing and Magway regions, and Chin, Rakhine, Kayah (Karenni), Kayin and Shan states. - Eleven Media/ANN
