( CNN ) Myanmar President Thein Sein declared a state of emergency Tuesday in the country 's Kokang region , where clashes have erupted between rebels and government soldiers . Thein Sein made the announcement on state television , saying that martial law would be imposed in the Kokang self-administered region for three months , effective immediately . Last week state media reported that days of clashes with Kokang rebels had left 47 government soldiers dead and dozens more wounded . Kokang forces lost fighters and territory during offensives by the Myanmar military in 2009 , but have regrouped since . They are among multiple minority ethnic groups in Myanmar seeking greater autonomy . The rebels have n't agreed to sign a nationwide peace agreement the government has pursued with armed ethnic groups . According to Thein Sein 's order , the commander in chief of Myanmar 's military is now in charge of the region 's `` administrative rights and responsibility , community peace and tranquility , rule of law and judiciary matters . '' CNN 's Jethro Mullen and Mitra Mobasherat contributed to this report .
Kokang 's President declares marshal law in Myanmar region , where violence has surged . days state media reported 47 of soldiers died there in Last week of clashes with rebels .