While the amnesty included around 600 political prisoners, it should not be taken as a sign of conciliation on the part of the military.

Myanmar’s military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty to mark the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain.

Myanmar's State Administration Council on Saturday (Jan 4) pardoned approximately 6,000 prisoners to mark the country's 77th Independence Day anniversary, according to the council's orders, reported Xinhua.