The Information and Communication Officer Ko Demo from Burma Revolution Rangers has announced that 20 new military recruits have defected from battalions under Division 101 in Pakokku, Magway Region. These defections occurred between July 12 and August 5, with the recruits arriving without weapons or ammunition to join the revolutionary forces. The defectors were originally forcibly conscripted from various townships including Sagaing, Mandalay, Yesagyo, Monywa, Shwebo, Myaing, Kanbalu, and Naypyidaw.
The defectors, aged between 19 and 31 years, had completed three months of training at the Bahtu Military Training School before being assigned to battalions under Infantry Division 101 headquarters in Pakokku. Among the defectors are Thein Tun Hlaing (27), Aung San Tun (29), Myo Zin (27), Wanna Kyaw (28), Maung Naing (27), Aung Myo Htet (29), Kyaw Myo Aung (31), Thant Zin Tun (29), Ko Ko Aung (26), Kaung Min Khant, Ko Naing Lin (30), Kaung Sit Paing (21), Chae Naung (21), Kaung Khant Thu (20), Htay Min Zaw (19), and four others who wished to remain anonymous. All of these individuals were forcibly recruited through various means including being taken as porters before being forced into military service.
The Burma Revolution Rangers have extended an open invitation to any military council soldiers wishing to defect, offering assistance with their escape when contacted. In a related development, one soldier and one militia member from the Aung Chan Thar military camp and Ma Sein military camp in Kalay Township have also defected to the People’s Defense Force – Kalay District Battalion 9, bringing their weapons and ammunition with them. These two defectors were awarded 8 million kyats by the Kalay District Battalion 9, Kalay Township People’s Administration Team, and People’s Defense Team as recognition for their action. The revolutionary forces continue to welcome defectors from the military council, particularly emphasizing their support for those who choose to stand with the people rather than the oppressive military regime.
