Two new soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 269 in Tedim, Chin State, have defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) Zoland with their weapons and ammunition. The two new recruits, identified as Soe Lin Aung and Phoe La Pyae, made contact with PDF Zoland and defected on April 7, 2024. They brought with them one MA-type rifle, ammunition magazines, and bullets, as confirmed by PDF Zoland representatives.
The defecting soldiers revealed details about conditions within the military, citing difficulties with living conditions, declining morale, and oppression by the military council as reasons for their decision to join the people’s side. PDF Zoland has provided the two defectors with full security protection and awarded them with honorary compensation for their decision to defect with their weapons.
According to a statement released by PDF Zoland, the defectors are being well-treated, and the organization extends an invitation to other soldiers within the military council’s forces who wish to defect voluntarily, assuring them of safe passage and protection. Local observers note that these defections serve as evidence of growing disunity within the military council’s forces. PDF Zoland continues to maintain its commitment to protecting and supporting those who choose to leave the military council’s forces and join the resistance movement.
