A total of seven members of the PDF group who accepted the peace process returned to the legal fold with arms and ammunition, and were formally handed over to their parents and guardians at a ceremony held at Taing Yan Aung Hall of the Coastal Region Command Headquarters yesterday afternoon.
The State Government has been inviting those involved in armed resistance under various names, including PDF groups, to return to the legal fold, and has been providing the necessary assistance to those who do so. Accordingly, six male and one female PDF members, seven in total, who came to understand the State’s and Tatmadaw’s peace process, re-entered the legal fold along with weapons and ammunition.
Among those who returned, two were from Dawei, two from Taninthayi, and one each from Bokpyin in Taninthayi Region, as well as one from Hinthada and one from Ingapu in Ayeyawady Region. The ceremony was attended by Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Han, departmental officials, the returnees, and their parents and guardians.
At the ceremony, the Commander delivered an address to those who had re-entered the legal fold. The returnees then handed over one HK-33 rifle, one M-16 rifle, five magazines, 188 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, one MG-1 hand grenade, and one bulletproof vest, which were formally accepted by the Commander.
The Commander presented cash awards and assistance, including K10 million for two firearms at a rate of K5 million per weapon, K300,000 for one hand grenade, and K5 million for five unarmed returnees, totalling K15.3 million, together with supporting materials.
The returnees signed pledges and were formally handed over to their parents and guardians. On behalf of the group, one returnee expressed gratitude.
Those who re-entered the legal fold reportedly had been forcibly recruited and coerced by various groups, and could no longer accept acts of violence such as threatening, arresting, and killing innocent civilians and civil servants, as well as destroying non-military infrastructure, including roads and bridges. They also faced internal oppression, inequality, and hardship within the groups and, having lost morale and being unable to withstand military offensives, chose to abandon the armed struggle.
Believing in the State’s and Tatmadaw’s peace process, they returned to the legal fold with a desire to contribute positively to the State and the public, who had suffered losses due to their actions.
Authorities continue to warmly welcome those wishing to return to the legal fold and provide the necessary assistance before formally handing them over to their families. Three individuals who wish to return remain, and those willing to do so are encouraged to contact the nearest district or township administrative bodies, military units, or police stations promptly. Rewards will also be granted for arms and ammunition surrendered. — MNA/KZL
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