A Pyusawthi member has defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) with a carbine rifle in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, according to a responsible official from the Farmers’ Group-PDF. On March 27, the Pyusawthi member from Ziphyukone Pyusawthi village in Shwebo Township surrendered to the Farmers’ Group while bringing along a carbine rifle. The defector has been warmly welcomed by the Farmers’ Group-PDF and is being treated in accordance with human rights standards, with proper accommodation provided in a secure location.
Additionally, in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, two new recruits from Infantry Battalion 4 under Military Division 66 have also defected without weapons, as confirmed by an official from Monywa District Battalion No. 1. The two new soldiers defected on February 5, after having been forcibly recruited by the military as porters and subsequently forced into military service. They arrived without weapons and are currently being safely accommodated by Monywa District Battalion No. 1.
These defections are a direct result of the military council’s forced recruitment practices and oppression of civilians. The People’s Defense Forces are providing humanitarian assistance and full security protection to all defectors. Those who surrender are given the freedom to choose whether they want to join the people’s resistance movement, and they are also allowed to leave safely if they wish to do so, according to responsible officials. The treatment of defectors demonstrates the stark contrast between the military council’s coercive practices and the humanitarian approach taken by resistance forces in welcoming those who choose to leave military service.
