The Karen National Union (KNU) Mergui-Tavoy District has announced that two new military recruits from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 280, based in Palaw town of Tanintharyi Region, have defected to their forces without weapons. The incident occurred on September 20, when the two soldiers sought refuge with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 4, Battalion 11. According to their accounts, they were initially working in Thailand when they were arrested and subsequently deported back to Myanmar through Kawthaung. This incident sheds light on the ongoing practice of forced recruitment by the military council in Myanmar.
Upon their return to Myanmar, the two individuals were taken to Kyunsu town by the military council forces and forcibly recruited into military service. They were required to undergo three months of military training before being assigned to the frontline area of Thein Khun. During this deployment, they managed to escape and sought protection with KNLA Battalion 11. The defectors have revealed that the military council systematically intercepts Myanmar nationals who are deported from Thailand at Kawthaung. Instead of allowing these individuals to return to their homes, they are immediately sent to military training schools and forced into service as new recruits. This practice has become increasingly common as the military council struggles to maintain its forces amid widespread resistance.
This defection incident illustrates the continuing human rights violations and forced conscription practices of the military council forces, while also indicating the declining morale and loss of confidence within their ranks. The Karen National Union has provided security and protection to these defectors, ensuring their rights are protected. The KNLA continues to serve as a safe haven for those fleeing from the oppression of the military council forces. The systematic nature of forced recruitment, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals such as deportees, demonstrates the desperate measures being employed by the military council to maintain its fighting force, even as it faces increasing resistance and defections across the country.
