SAC extends earthquake truce for second time
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Phyo (NP News) - May 10
The State Administration Council (SAC) on May 6, announced through state-owned TV channels and newspapers that the ceasefire has been extended for another month.
The announcement stated that the ceasefire, effective from May 6 to May 31, was declared with the intention of enabling effective relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-affected areas following the powerful quake that struck on March 28.
The SAC had previously issued its first temporary ceasefire declaration from April 2 to 30 in order to facilitate humanitarian assistance for those affected by the earthquake.
During the second temporary ceasefire period, the SAC has warned that if ethnic armed groups and other armed organizations interfere with or attack communication routes used by the public, cause damage to civilian property, attack security forces' bases, disrupt military command centers, assemble forces that threaten peace, or expand territories, it will take necessary countermeasures to protect the people and maintain security. The SAC emphasized that any actions which undermine peace or cause harm to the public will be met with appropriate responses.
Although the Tatmadaw extended the ceasefire period to facilitate more effective humanitarian and recovery operations for earthquake-affected civilians, frequent clashes continue to erupt due to intensified military activities by ethnic armed organizations and other opposition groups, who are reportedly attacking public infrastructure and property.