A newly recruited soldier named Maung Nyein Min, who was forcibly conscripted through porter arrest by Police Battalion 5 in Hmawbi Township, Yangon Region, has defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Thaung Tha Township, Mandalay Region, bringing weapons and ammunition with him, according to a spokesperson from the Thaung Tha Township PDF. The new recruit had been forced into military service against his will and decided to escape from the military council’s forces due to the coercive nature of his recruitment.
During his escape from the military council forces, Private Maung Nyein Min brought with him two hand grenades and 250 rounds of ammunition, which he surrendered to the Thaung Tha Township PDF. The People’s Defense Force has announced that they welcome other forcibly recruited soldiers who wish to defect from the military council forces and join the people’s side. The Thaung Tha Township PDF has issued a statement ensuring safe passage and protection for those who choose to defect.
The military council is currently facing significant difficulties in recruiting new soldiers, leading to increased instances of forced recruitment through arbitrary arrests and coercion of civilians into military service. The People’s Defense Force has emphasized that they will provide full security and assistance to those who escape from forced military service under the military council. The Thaung Tha Township PDF reiterated their commitment to protecting and supporting defectors who choose to leave the military council’s forces and join the resistance movement.
