More than 60 political prisoners in Myanmar were released on Friday as part of an amnesty ordered by Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s de facto leader. The release, in the town of Tharrawaddy, came ahead of Myanmar’s New Year festival. The earlier government had jailed hundreds of people, including Suu Kyi supporters and government critics. Rights groups estimated around 100 political prisoners were being held in the country before Suu Kyi came to power, AP reported.

Around 60 students, arrested in 2015 during a protest held for education reforms, were released. It was Suu Kyi’s first act after becoming state counsellor, a specially created post. United States’ State Department spokesperson Mark Toner was among those who commended the new National League for Democracy government’s move.