A new military recruit from Infantry Division 18 based in Heho, Kalaw Township, Southern Shan State, has defected to the People’s Defense Force. The soldier made contact with the PDF-Chauk-Thakin Phoe Hla Gyi Battalion while being transferred to the Mawlamyine frontline, bringing with him three hand grenades. The initial contact was made on May 12, and he successfully reached the PDF forces on May 15.
The defecting soldier was originally forcibly recruited by the military while shopping in Chauk town on February 16. He was then sent to the No. 3 Military Advanced Training School in Kyaingtong. After completing the 10th batch of military training, he was assigned to Infantry Division 18 in Heho and was being transferred to Mawlamyine when he escaped through Battalion 139 in Thanlyin. According to his account, he had to abandon his weapons while being pursued by military forces. The soldier’s successful defection represents a growing trend of new recruits seeking to escape forced military service under the military council.
The PDF-Chauk-Thakin Phoe Hla Gyi Battalion has issued a call to other forcibly recruited soldiers to join the revolutionary forces as soon as possible, noting that many new recruits are currently seeking ways to escape the military’s forced conscription. The continued practice of forced recruitment and violence against civilians by the military council has led to increasing defections, with many viewing these transitions to the people’s side as a strengthening factor for the revolution. The PDF has emphasized their commitment to accepting and protecting those who choose to leave the military’s forced service and join the democratic forces fighting for the people’s cause.
