Three new military recruits from Light Infantry Battalion 60 and Infantry Battalion 590 in Kyaukkyi Township, Bago Region, surrendered to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Battalion 9 around 5 PM on September 14. The defectors were identified as Win Htun (28 years old), Maung Shein Min (31 years old), and Maung Win Htet Aung (30 years old). They were graduates of the People’s Military Service Batch 11 training program. Private Win Htun was revealed to be a hired substitute who was paid 7 million kyats to serve on behalf of his village, while the other two were forcibly conscripted into military service.
In Tanintharyi Region, a new recruit named Aung Myint Khine from Light Infantry Battalion 285 based in Palaw, who had completed Basic Military Training Course 1, also defected to the People’s Defense Force in Kyunsu Township. He had received military training in Hinthada, Ayeyarwady Region, and was forcibly conscripted while staying at home. Additionally, Private Ye Thein Naing from Infantry Battalion 406, who was part of a military column moving from Dawei to Pakari village, defected to the Dawei Nationalities Liberation Army (DNLA) with an MA-1 rifle, 4 ammunition magazines, and 180 rounds of ammunition.
The revolutionary organizations have provided proper care for the defectors, including clothing and food supplies. Notably, Private Ye Thein Naing, who defected in the Dawei region, was awarded a reward of 5 million kyats and was safely transported to a liberated area of his choice. Revolutionary organizations have encouraged other soldiers and police officers who have been forcibly conscripted to stand on the side of truth and join the people’s cause as soon as possible. The increasing momentum of the revolution has led to more military personnel choosing to defect to the people’s side, demonstrating growing support for the resistance movement against the military council.
