Over 600 MDY-PDF members seek path to reintegration with society
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Htet Nadi/ Pearl(NP News)Jan 25
A source close to the security forces told The Statesman that there are over 600 MDY-PDF members who want to reintegrate with the lawful society, and information gathered on the ground also indicates that there are tensions within the PDF group.
On January 23, 149 MDY-PDF members rejoined the legal fold and were welcomed back to the Central Command, provided with necessary assistance, and systematically reunited with their parents and guardians.
“150 MDY- PDF from Madaya are now inside the palace. They entered into the legal fold. We also know that another 600 will join soon,” the official told The Statesman.
It was also reported that those who returned within the framework of the law handed over the weapons and ammunition they had with them to the authorities.
MDY – PDF is an armed group following the TNLA and is known among armed groups for monopolizing gold mining blocks and seeking profits.
The Tatmadaw launched an offensive, cutting off the lines of communication between the TNLA and MDY-PDF, and clearing the areas of Madaya, Singu, and Thabeikkyin townships that were previously temporarily controlled by the MDY-PDF.
MDY-PDF’s plan to advance toward Mandalay under the so-called Shan-Mann Operation has also collapsed, and PDF members who were forcibly recruited due to pressure involving family members and relatives are now contacting authorities to return to the legal framework.
This development is a setback for MDY-PDF, and even before the news was released, the group had warned PDF members who had been separated from their battalion for various reasons to return to duty.
It also states that those who report within the specified time will receive reduced punishment or exemption from punishment, and those who fail to do so will be arrested and punished in accordance with the rules they have set.
“The main thing is the mentality. They have instilled in the youth a mentality of winning in their so-called revolution. They are like Power Rangers. Now, when they can’t win, they have to flee, and their mentality breaks down. And they were the ones who pushed the youth to go the wrong way from the beginning. Now they are reaping what they sowed. They are risking their lives with guns. They are the adults with full rights,” a former PDF member in Thailand told The Statesman.
He said that currently, the number of people providing support to PDF members is decreasing, and there are also people seeking personal gain under the guise of support, which could lead to a loss of interest in the so-called revolution.
According to government statements, those who have been in the PDF and ethnic armed groups for various reasons and wish to return within the framework of the law should contact the nearest district and township administrative bodies, military camps and police stations immediately and report to them. They will be welcomed and provided with necessary assistance and rewards for weapons and ammunition.