Mizzima-Oct 21
The Myanmar junta-backed Union Parliament on 18 October extended a state of emergency in 55 townships for another 90 days, as lawmakers supporting the move conceded that administration and the rule of law had yet to return to normal across the affected areas. The extension passed without a single objection. The townships lie in Sagaing and Magway regions and in Chin, Rakhine, Karenni, Karen and Shan states. Ngazun Township in Mandalay Region and Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships in northern Shan State were dropped from the list.
Two orders followed on 18 October, according to the junta’s Ministry of Information: a martial law order from the Commander-in-Chief’s Office and an order with the force of law from the office of junta leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who declared himself “president.” Earlier martial law orders transferred all administrative and judicial powers in the listed townships to the Commander-in-Chief, who may delegate them to regional military commanders. The list has shrunk slowly. The junta first imposed martial law in 63 townships on 31 July 2025, when it ended the nationwide emergency it had declared after the February 2021 coup. In April 2026, a new declaration covered 60 townships. In July, it dropped Tonzang and Falam in Chin State, citing a return to normal conditions. Kyaukme and Hsipaw, two of the three townships removed this week, were recaptured by the military from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group based in northern Shan State, in October 2025. Read more at:
