149 PDF members rejoin legal fold

THE government is extending an invitation to those involved in various armed groups, including the PDF, to return to the legal fold. Those who do so are being provided with necessary assistance and support.

The PDF members – 141 males and eight females, totalling 149 individuals — entered the legal fold yesterday.

These returning members stated that they could no longer accept the terrorist acts committed by the armed groups and PDF, such as forced conscription, threatening, arresting, and killing innocent civilians and civil servants for the benefit of terrorist organizations, planting mines and destroying non-military infrastructure like roads and bridges. They also cited discrimination, internal hierarchical oppression, torture, killings, violence, poor living conditions, and demoralization due to an inability to resist Tatmadaw operations as reasons for leaving. Moreover, they expressed trust in the State and Tatmadaw’s peace processes and a desire to live peacefully under the law, hoping to contribute back to the State and people whom they had caused losses to.

The 149 individuals from Aungmyaythazan, Mahaaungmyay, Chanmyathazi, Amarapura, PyinOoLwin, Thabeikkyin, Mogok, Singu, Singaing, Natogyi, NyaungU, Myingyan and Madaya townships from Mandalay Region, and Magway, Ngaphe, Pwintbyu, Aunglan, Mindon and Salin townships in Magway Region entered the legal fold, and were accepted by responsible officials.

At the handover ceremony, PDF members were handed over to their parents or guardians at Yanaungmyin Hall of the Central Command Headquarters yesterday.

At the event, the Mandalay Region chief minister made an opening speech, and the Commander briefed on the legal affairs.

The chief minister rewarded K5 million for one rifle, totalling K50million for 10 rifles, K2 million for one pistol, totalling K6 million for three pistols, K500,000 for one homemade gun, K300,000 for one grenade, totalling K3.3 million for 11 grenades, K200,000 for one walkie-talkie, and K100,000 per returnee, totalling 13.5 million for 135 returnees. The rewards amounted to K73.5 million.

Then, those who rejoined the legal fold handed over 10 automatic rifles, three pistols, one homemade gun, 11 grenades, one walkie-talkie, 16 magazines and 1,267 bullets to the commander.

The returnees signed pledges after receiving gifts and were handed back to their parents or guardians.

There are still individuals who wish to return to the legal fold. Those who intend to do so are encouraged to promptly contact and report to the nearest Tatmadaw bases or police stations. They will be welcomed and accepted, provided with the necessary assistance and support, and cash rewards for any arms and ammunition.

MNA/ KTZH

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