BANGKOK: Myanmar's military government on Monday granted amnesty to more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the Buddhist New Year, but it wasn't immediately clear if those released included the thousands of political detainees locked up for opposing army rule.

State-run MRTV television reported that the State Administration Council, the ruling body created by the military after it seized power more than two years ago, had pardoned 3,113 prisoners, including 98 foreigners who will be deported. Mass prisoner releases are common on major holidays.