PDF leaders' bullying drives more members to flee
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Phyo/Thant Zin (NP News) - Sep 9
Daw Thida Yu Mon, leader of the Myingyan People’s Militia group, told the Statesman Journal that people are fleeing from PDF groups operating in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, due to bullying and authoritarian practices by their leaders.
In recent days, four members have reportedly deserted from Battalion 10 of the Myingyan District PDF, according to their admissions. In addition, reports have emerged that eight members from the group known as the Myingyan Black Tiger have also fled.
Daw Thida Yu Mon said that the main reason behind the sudden exodus of PDF members active in Myingyan district was that they could no longer bear the bullying of their leaders.
“They are fleeing from the PDF groups because of the leadership’s oppression. Now, regarding four deserters what they (the Myingyan District PDF Battalion) mentioned in the annoucement, they have been working with them for quite some time. We know that. Among them, there are also cases of exploitations. That’s the first point. Another thing I have heard recently is that the PDFs are chasing after young trainees who tried to escape. I am also investigating it. They only try to contact me. But I cannot reach back to them,” said Daw Thida Yu Mon.
In addition, Daw Thida Yu Mon said that many PDFs from within Myingyan District have already reached out to express their intention to surrender to the Tatmadaw.
“I have been in contact with many people. There are many youths, but they have no opportunity to flee. If these youths run away or surrender to the Tatmadaw, PDFs will kill their family members. So, the children come and ask me first — ‘If we surrender, will you kill us?’ I told them that the Tatmadaw is already welcoming them with open arms. So, I gave them my word, guaranteeing with my own life, that if they come to our side, they will not be killed,” she said.
Similarly, there was an incident that in last July, four KPDF members shot a KIA intelligence officer and fled in Hpakant Township, Kachin State.
As of August 31, a total of 1,100 PDF members have surrendered to the Tatmadaw, including 914 men and 186 women. –