Myanmar grants amnesty to 83 prisoners on new year day

Myanmar's government granted amnesty to 83 prisoners Sunday, the country's traditional new year day, according to a presidential order.

The presidential pardon was granted with an aim to bring about national reconciliation and to ensure peace of mind of the people on the occasion of the new year, said the presidential order.

On April 8, a total of 199 prisoners including political activists and students facing trial connected with politics were released from prisoners across the country.

That release came a day after State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to seek presidential pardon to political prisoners and activists.

Among them were 36 women and two children, according to the Police Force.

The release was the first after the new government took office.