DHAKA: Myanmar declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in a conflict-torn border region where ferocious fighting between the army and ethnic rebels has forced thousands of civilians to flee.

‘A serious situation has developed that has put people’s lives at risk, so a state of emergency has been declared starting from today,’ the Ministry of Information said in a statement outlining the measures in the Kokang region of Shan state that has seen airstrikes and fierce gun battles since February 9.

In a separate announcement, the ministry said Myanmar’s army chief now had full control of ‘rule of law and stability’ in the area, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2028 HRS, FEB 17, 2015