According to an announcement issued on April 23, under an order signed by the coup-installed President Min Aung Hlaing, a 90-day state of emergency has been declared in 60 townships nationwide. The order also states that martial law has been imposed and authority in these townships has been transferred back to the military,
The townships placed under martial law include areas no longer under the military’s effective control, as well as territories in northern Shan State currently administered by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that have already reached ceasefire understandings with the military.
Under the order, the relevant regional military commanders will exercise direct control over these areas, with powers covering security, administration, and judicial matters.
Political analyst Dr. Sai Kyi Zin Soe commented that the declaration appears to be a dual-track strategy aimed at areas the military has yet to regain control over.
“It is like applying pressure with one hand while keeping a peace door open with the other. They are exerting military and political pressure, while at the same time leaving space for negotiations. In essence, it is a way of forcing those groups that have not yet joined the peace process to come to the table,” he said.
In the martial law areas, a wide range of serious offenses will be handled directly by military tribunals, according to the announcement. These include crimes such as treason and actions against the state, obstructing or interfering with military and law enforcement operations, incitement and the spread of false information, and intimidation of officials. The order also covers offenses under various laws, including the Unlawful Associations Act, Arms Act, narcotics laws, media and publishing laws, and the Counter-Terrorism Law, as well as major criminal offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, corruption, and crimes against public property.
According to the notification, those convicted may face punishments ranging from the death penalty, life imprisonment with hard labor, or the maximum prison terms prescribed under each relevant law.
A political and legal observer noted that the broad scope of punishable offenses gives the military legal cover to suppress opposition at any time.
“Because these provisions include crimes punishable up to death, the implication is clear: whenever military or political resistance emerges in those regions, they can crack down immediately. For ordinary civilians as well, any connection—especially with groups such as the TNLA or MNDAA—can potentially be framed under unlawful association or similar charges to bring them under tighter control,” the analyst said.
The military government said the move was intended to “restore stability and the rule of law” in conflict-hit territories, while all executive and judicial powers in the designated townships are to be exercised by the Commander-in-Chief or delegated military authorities for 90 days beginning April 23.
Townships Under Martial Law
The 60 townships declared under martial law are:
Kachin State — Sumprabum, Shwegu, Injangyang, Sawlaw, and Chipwi
Kayah State — Shadaw, Hpasawng, and Mese
Kayin State — Kawkareik and Kyainseikgyi
Chin State — Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Paletwa, Tedim, Mindat, Matupi, and Falam
Rakhine State — Ramree, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Gwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Mrauk-U, Thandwe, Ann, and Taungup
Sagaing Region — Kawlin, Pinlebu, Khin-U, Wetlet, Kani, Depayin, Pale, and Indaw
Magway Region — Pauk, Myaing, Saw, Htilin, and Yesagyo
Northern Shan State — Namtu, Mabein, Kutkai, Namkham, Hseni, Kunlong, Namhsan, Mantong, Hopang, Laukkai, Konkyan, Momeik, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Mongla
The inclusion of many resistance-held and EAO-administered areas has prompted observers to view the order as less a sign of actual territorial control and more a legal-political mechanism for expanding military pressure ahead of further offensives or negotiations.
