Myanmar to monitor Kokang group's movement after unilateral ceasefire

The Myanmar government said on Friday that it will be closely watching Kokang ethnic army's movement following the group's unilateral ceasefire declared on Wednesday.

Director of the President's Office U Zaw Htay said the government will monitor the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army's (MNDAA) military movement to see if it is observing its announcement.

With regard to MNDAA's ceasefire, Myanmar's Defense Ministry has not yet given any instruction to its army units, the government's Laukkai administrative authorities said, adding that the military is still taking measures to ensure regional peace despite reduced tension.

The MNDAA's military affairs committee said it announced the ceasefire at the request of the Chinese government for the stability and peace along the Myanmar-China border and in view of the fact that the country's general election is approaching.

Heavy fightings erupted between the Myanmar government forces and MNDAA on Feb. 9, forcing the government to impose a 90-day state of emergency with martial law on Feb. 17, which was extended by 90 days from May 18 to Aug. 17.

The government claimed that it has brought the Kokang region in northern Myanmar under its control following the heavy clashes.