Myanmar's state media has reported that the junta will grant a pardon to more than 3,000 people in jails across the country. Another local news organization is separately reporting that the list includes political prisoners.

State television said the decision was timed to coincide with Myanmar's traditional new year.

The report said junta leader, general Min Aung Hlaing, used his new year speech to attack pro-democracy groups. He reportedly said peace is essential to foster a democratic system, and that violence only delays progress.

The remark came less than a week after junta aircraft bombed a village in the northwestern region of Sagaing, killing 168 people, including women and children.

Pro-democracy forces retaliated days later by bombing a military event in the eastern state of Kayah, injuring 28.