The military court in Naypyidaw has issued strict directives to military battalions and units due to growing concerns over the increasing number of defections from the military. According to the directive issued in late July, there has been a significant increase in the number of military personnel defecting to revolutionary organizations with weapons and ammunition. However, it was discovered that battalions and units have failed to report these defections to higher authorities while continuing to draw salaries and benefits for the defectors.
The military council has instructed regional military commands to implement stricter monitoring of battalions and units to control the rising number of defections. Furthermore, the directive warns that responsible personnel from battalions and units who conceal accurate defection records and fraudulently claim salaries and benefits for defectors will be investigated and face disciplinary action through the chain of command. The directive also includes special measures for the arrest of defectors and states that those caught will be severely punished as examples to others.
The military council has also ordered stricter control over leave permissions and hometown visits for soldiers in battalions, units, and frontline posts. There is special emphasis on enforcing stricter military disciplinary rules and absolutely prohibiting the carrying of weapons and ammunition outside of duty hours. Analysts note that the issuance of such strict directives reflects the growing situation of increasing defections from within the military ranks. The military council’s concern over these defections is evident in their attempts to implement tighter controls and threatened punishments for both defectors and those who fail to report them accurately.
