Min Aung Hlaing declared martial law in 63 townships in Shan, Arakan, Chin, Kachin, Karenni and Karen states, as well as Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions on Thursday after the nationwide state of emergency, in place since the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021, was lifted by the regime in Naypyidaw, which reformed and renamed itself the “State Security and Peace Commission.”
Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself the chairperson of the new 10-member commission, which is meant to act as an interim administration until elections are held in December and a new government is formed.
A political analyst told DVB on the condition of anonymity that Min Aung Hlaing only relinquished his role as self-appointed Prime Minister. He will continue in the role as Acting President, which he assumed after Myint Swe stepped down due to health issues last year. Regime deputy Soe Win assumed the deputy chair of the commission.
Min Aung Hlaing’s advisor Nyo Saw, who is chair of the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), was appointed Prime Minister.
Maung Maung Aye, who was chief of the General Staff for the Myanmar Army, Navy and Air Force, is now Defence Minister and deputy Prime Minister.
Than Swe, who was Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, will continue in the foreign affairs portfolio.
Tun Tun Naung, who was regime Border Affairs Minister, is now Home Affairs Minister. Yar Pyae, who was regime Home Affairs Minister, is now Border Affairs Minister.
Kyaw Swa Lin, who was Chief of Staff of the Army, and Ye Win Oo, who was regime joint secretary, and Aung Lin Dwe, chief executive officer of the National Defence and Security Council, were appointed to the new commission.
Min Aung Hlaing promised “efforts will be made to end armed conflict, restore peace and order within 90 days,” in the 63 townships now under martial law during his speech in Naypyidaw on July 30.
Fifteen townships in Shan, 14 in Arakan, nine in Sagaing, seven in Chin, five in Kachin, five in Magway, three in Karenni, three in Mandalay, and two in Karen were placed under martial law. All 63 townships are under the control of ethnic armed groups or other resistance forces, such as the People’s Defense Force (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG).
The 63 townships include Namtu, Mabein, Kutkai, Namkham, Hsenwi, Kunlong, Namhsan, Manton, Hopang, Laukkai, Konkyan, Momeik, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mongla townships in Shan State. Ramree, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Gwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Mrauk-U, Thandwe, Ann and Taungup townships in Arakan State. Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Paletwa, Tonzang, Mindat, Matupi and Falam townships in Chinland. Sumprabum, Injangyang, Shwegu, Chipwi and Tsawlaw townships in Kachin State. Shadaw, Hpasawng, and Mese townships in Karenni State. Kawkareik and Kyainseikgyi townships in Karen State. Tigyaing, Kawlin, Pinlebu, Khin-U, Wetlet, Kanni, Depayin, Pale and Indaw townships in Sagaing Region. Pauk, Myaing, Saw, Htilin and Yesagyo townships in Magway Region. Mogok and Ngazun townships in Mandalay Region.
