Provisional Government Extends Martial Law for 58 Townships Where Governance is No Longer Possible

The provisional government approved the extension of martial law for 90 days in 58 townships from eight regions and states, where the military can no longer operate the normal administrative machinery on the ground, at a meeting of the Union Assembly on July 21. The extension of martial law was proposed by the provisional government's Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs, Dr. Htain Lin Oo, and was approved after five members of parliament debated in support. "This is an attempt to impose martial law and control areas that have already been abandoned and are under the control of revolutionary forces, as they can no longer be governed by normal law. This is an admission of military defeat, and there is a risk of increased oppression through arbitrary arrests of the people in these areas and the misuse of military jurisdiction," commented a military and political analyst. Previously, martial law was imposed in 60 townships, but the period has been extended for the remaining 58 townships, excluding Phalam and Tonzang townships in Chin State, which the military claims to have recaptured. The townships where martial law has been extended include Hswamparabum, Shwegu, Ingyan, Sorb Law, Chebwe in Kachin State; Shartaw, Pharsawng, Mese in Kayah State; Kawkareik, Kyainseikgyi in Karen State; Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Paletwa, Mindat, Matupi in Chin State. Furthermore, Kalay, Pinlebu, Kin-U, Wuntho, Kannee, Depeyin, Pale, Indaw in Sagaing Region; Pauk, Myaing, Saw, Htilin, Ye-U in Magway Region; and Gnanngyun in Mandalay Region are included. It is also known that Ruywa, Ponnagyun, Yathedaung, Gwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Mrauk-U, Thandwe, Ann, Taungup, Pauktaw in Rakhine State, where martial law is completely absent, and Namtu, Maubin, Kutkai, Namkham, Hseni, Kunlong, Namhsan, Mantong, Hopan, Laukkai, Konjang, Moemeik, Kyaukme, Thibaw, Maelaw in Shan State are also included. Photo: Social Media (Old photo)