A soldier from Light Infantry Battalion 52 in Kanti Township, Sagaing Region, has defected to the people’s side along with his family on June 30, as confirmed by an official from the Homalin Township People’s Defense Force. The soldier made the decision to leave the military due to the oppression within the ranks, the military’s abuse of civilians, and airstrikes on civilian homes and schools. He brought his wife and child with him when he made contact with the Homalin Township People’s Defense Force to join the civilian resistance.
An official from the Homalin Township People’s Defense Force explained that since the defecting soldier did not bring weapons with him, they could not offer him the usual monetary reward that is typically given to those who defect with their weapons. However, the soldier and his family are currently being kept in a secure location and are being well taken care of. The official emphasized that those who defect with weapons are eligible for designated monetary rewards as part of their defection program.
The Homalin Township People’s Defense Force has been actively encouraging soldiers serving within the military council’s forces to break free from the oppressive military dictatorship and join the people’s side as soon as possible. Due to human rights violations, oppression within the military, and brutal actions against civilians, many soldiers are becoming demoralized, and there has been a gradual increase in the number of military personnel defecting to join the civilian resistance movement. The defection of this soldier and his family represents another instance of growing dissatisfaction within the military council’s ranks and the increasing number of personnel choosing to stand with the people rather than continue serving under the military regime.
