"Nay Pyi Taw, 15 May — Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann sought approval from the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on Friday of the extension of the state of emergency for another 90 days in the Kokang self-administered area in Shan State, with members of parliament speaking in support of the extension. A state of emergency with a three-month period of martial law has been declared in the area since 17 February 2015, and expires on 17 May. MPs condemned acts of disturbance orchestrated by destructive elements, calling for the parliament to put on record whoever makes efforts to remove threats to national security. They shared their sympathy with families of soldiers wounded and killed in defence of the country, stressing the need to join hands with the army to ensure stability and rule of law in the reigon. ?The issue of Laukkai is a national rather than local concern, so collective participation and cooperation is individual responsibility,” an MP said. Union Defence Minister Lt-Gen Wai Lwin expounded the handling of situations in Laukkai, including military operations, security, and economic and judicial affairs."