150 members of PDF, other groups reenter legal fold with arms in Mandalay

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.

A total of 150 PDF members—141 males and nine females entered the legal fold yesterday, and they were handed over to their parents or guardians at the Yan Aung Myin Hall of the Central Command Headquarters.

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.
These 150 individuals from Mandalay Region reentered the legal fold yesterday and were accepted by responsible officials. At the handover ceremony, they were handed over to their parents or guardians. At the event, the region’s chief minister and the commander gave an opening speech and briefed on legal matters. Then, the returnees handed over 15 rifles, one RPG, two homemade guns, 19 grenades, five walkie-talkies, 35 magazines, 972 bullets and four bulletproof vests to the commander.
The region chief minister and commander rewarded K5 million for one rifle, totalling K75million for 15 rifles, K7.5 million for one RPG, K500,000 for one homemade gun, totalling K1 million for two guns, K300,000 for one grenade, totalling K5.7 million for 19 grenades, K20,000 for one walkie talkie, totalling K1 million for five walkie talkies, K200,000 for one bulletproof vest, totalling K800,000 for four vests, K100,000 for one without arms, totalling K13.3 million for 133 returnees. The reward amounted to K104.3 million.

The region’s chief minister, the commander, and officials cordially greeted the attendees and provided them with foodstuffs. 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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