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Live: Strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes central Myanmar: panic in Bangkok

NAYPYIDAW – Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has rejected ceasefire proposals from rebel groups seeking to facilitate aid to areas impacted by the deadly earthquake on March 28 as concerns mount over how the civil conflict could hinder relief efforts. A pro-democracy shadow govt allied with detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi declared a 2-week ceasefire following the quake in central Myanma with
 Figure likely to grow, another alliance of rebel groups that had made substantial territorial gains against regime also announced it would not initiate offensive op for a month.

“Some ethnic armed organisations are not currently engaged in combat but organising & training for future attacks,” General Min Aung Hlaing said during a fund-raising event on April 1 in Naypyitaw, the country’s capital. “As their actions are still considered attacks. Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) will continue to take necessary security measures,” according to comments provided by State Admin Council. The remarks are sign there little reprieve in a conflict reignited 4 years ago after junta seized much of nation in a coup. As damage from 7.7-magnitude quake was being assessed, pro-democracy rebel said fresh air-strikes on March 28 in close to epicentre.