Yangon: Myanmar's military government on Thursday released nearly 5,000 prisoners, including some foreigners, while marking their traditional New Year, according to local media reports. The release of prisoners commenced at Insein Prison in Yangon, where hundreds of relatives awaited outside the facility.

According to Anadolu Agency, the junta government had announced the release of 4,893 prisoners, stating that they would be freed to participate in the state-building process. Among those released were 13 foreign nationals from various jails, though the details of their nationalities were not disclosed. These foreign prisoners are expected to be deported from Myanmar.

Human rights groups have reported that thousands of civilians have been arrested by the military government since the February 2021 coup. It remains uncertain if political prisoners, many of whom opposed the military, are among those released.

The coup, which removed Aung San Suu Kyi's government, sparked widespread protests and led to armed resistance across the country. Earlier this year, in January, the junta released nearly 6,000 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Myanmar's independence from Britain.

In a New Year statement, Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing addressed the impact of the recent earthquake that caused significant damage in the country. He confirmed that reconstruction efforts in affected areas would commence promptly. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake resulted in 3,725 fatalities, with an additional 5,106 injured and 129 still missing as of Wednesday.

The earthquake's tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand, where it caused the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok, resulting in 44 casualties. The junta leader also reiterated his commitment to restoring democracy in Myanmar, with elections scheduled for December. He urged citizens to cooperate with the government for successful elections, emphasizing the government's efforts to serve the interests of the state and its people.