YANGYON - Myanmar President Thein Sein pardoned around 3,073 prisoners on Tuesday on humanitarian grounds, rule of law, and stability of the state.

This large-scale amnesty program is reportedly part of the reforms that the Sein's Regime is trying to apply. His administration seeks to apply more reforms in Myanmar to further strengthen its stable government

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Among those pardoned are 58 foreign nationals, former military intelligence personnel and a political detainee.

Ye Aung, an active member of the Former Political Prisoners Support Group, stated that one political prisoner from Myitkyina Prison was freed. The prisoner was sentenced for five years in prison due to violation of the Explosives Act in 2013.

Ye Aung, however, stressed that there are still many political prisoners who are currently being detained in various prison cells in Myanmar.

"Releasing the prisoners is good. We welcome it. But we want the government to release more. Politically, it is meaningless without the release of many political prisoners," Ye Aung claimed.

Among those released were eight former military intelligence personalities, one of whom was Brigadier General Thein Swe.

"Having a top day with great news. I am heading to Myingyan to pick-up my dad," said Sonny Swe, the son of Brigadier General Thein Swe and who also happens to be one of the famous media businessmen in Myanmar today.

Despite the releases, some activists still expressed caution.

Toe Kyaw Hlaing, a former political prisoner, said  "the release of many criminals could harm stability."

"We have to question the government on what they are thinking with the release," he added.

Some activists cited their concerns that large-scale releases of ordinary prisoners might adversely affect the peace and order situation as well as the stability of the country.

TagsMyanmar, political prisoners, amnesty