Yangon, March 7 (IANS): Myanmar authorities have reopened two border gates that were shut due to violent conflicts in Shan state's Kokang region.

A total of 180 internally displaced people have returned to Kokang regions' capital of Laukkai town through border post No. 125 and Yanlonkyaing border checkpoint on Friday, state-run Myawaddy Daily said on Saturday.

So far, 2,746 people from 946 households have returned home, Xinhua reported.

The government stressed the need to restore peace and stability and for the prevalence of law and order in the region to ensure security and to undertake rehabilitation measures.

Heavy fighting broke out on February 9 between security forces and the rebel group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Kokang region.

The conflicts occurred mainly in Laukkai, Koneyan and Yan Lone Kyaine. As a result, thousands of local people fled to Lashio, a city in Shan State bordering China.