Phyo/Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - November 7
A PDF member from Nattalin Township, Bago Region, posted a video on his TikTok account comparing the situation of PDF members, who are not allowed to leave the NUG, with that of people’s military service personnel, who are permitted to return home after completing two years of service.
One of the reasons why several PDF members have returned to the legal fold is that, under the NUG, they are required to serve indefinitely without a fixed term of service.
Furthermore, food shortages and the abuse of power within PDF groups have also contributed to members becoming disillusioned and leaving from their groups.
In addition, PDF groups have previously announced lists of deserters, but there is no longer any such announcement, indicating that the number is likely to increase.
“I'm currently suffering from malaria. All the NUG leaders have never provided enough funds to buy a single gun to the respective districts under their command. They don’t even provide money for medical expenses. As for food supplies, we're left waiting desperately for them, like dogs. The Tatmadaw only requires people to serve for two years, but the NUG is treating us even worse than the Tatmadaw,” he said.
While the Tatmadaw only requires people to serve for two years, the NUG requires its members to serve for more than two years, he said.
“Why can’t we leave after completing two years of service?” he asked.
He said that some PDF members who had not received support from the NUG had already laid down their arms and surrendered to the Tatmadaw before completing their two-year service, due to the NUG’s actions.
“If we are not allowed to leave after completing two years of service, we will leave anyway. Why are you putting so much pressure on us? The more you pressure us, the more bullets will hit your heads. Get ready,” he warned NUG leaders. –
