Naypyitaw, Feb 1 (UNI) Myanmar’s military announced a state of emergency in the country for the period of one year after the detention of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as President Win Myint and other members of the ruling party, the Xinhua news agency reports.

The state of emergency was announced on the military-owned Myawady TV in a declaration signed by First Vice President U Myint Swe, who will now be serving as Myanmar’s acting president, Xinhua said.

According to the declaration, state power is being handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing.

Earlier on Monday, western media reported that State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained along with other members of the ruling National League for Democracy party in an early morning military raid.

The White House said in a statement that US President Joe Biden had been briefed on the situation in Myanmar by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The US called on Myanmar's military to release the detained and threatened to take action against those responsible.

In January, Myanmar's military raised the prospect of a coup d'etat after what they believed was widespread voter fraud during the November 8 election, which was the country’s second general election since the end of military rule in 2011.

Myanmar's military who seized power in a coup said that the country would hold new elections of the government, Myanmar Times newspaper reported.

According to media, the vote will be held after the state of emergency, announced for the period of one year, is lifted.

The military will reportedly delegate authority to the new government after the vote.

India on Monday hoped that the rule of law and the democratic process in Myanmar remains intact following a major crisis of military taking the control of the country.

"We have noted the developments in Myanmar with deep concern. India has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar. We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld. We are monitoring the situation closely," the Foreign Ministry said.

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