The Tatmadaw has consistently placed emphasis on ensuring stability and peace in the country. Amid the reported successes of counter-terrorism operations and the permanent re-control of areas temporarily held by armed groups, local ethnic people have welcomed and supported the developments, according to the report. It said that, encouraged by the support and trust of local people and their cooperation with the Tatmadaw, members of armed terrorist groups have also come to understand the peace process and have been returning to the legal fold by reporting to nearby local military camps and security forces.
The 22
individuals comprised eight men and three women who were members of the group
referred to as the DPLA, two men from the TNLA, and eight men and one woman
from the PDF.
Commander of
the North-East Command Headquarters Maj-Gen Aye Min Oo and officials,
departmental officials, members of the Myanmar Police Force, invitees, the
returnees and
their parents
and guardians attended the ceremony.
First, the
commander delivered a speech of honour. Next, the Deputy State Police Force
Commander discussed legal matters.
Afterwards,
the returnees handed over three assault rifles, two pistols, one hand grenade,
ammunition and related equipment that they had brought with them. The commander
and officials received the weapons and related items.
The commander
then presented cash rewards of K15 million for three assault rifles, K6 million
for two pistols, K300,000 for one hand grenade, and K2.2 million to the 22
returnees at K100,000 each, totalling K23.5 million, together with gifts. The
returnees accepted the cash rewards and gifts.
A returnee
then delivered a speech of thanks.
The returnees
subsequently signed undertakings before being systematically handed over to
their parents and guardians.
At the
ceremony, the 22 individuals who were handed over to their parents and
guardians after returning to the legal fold, citing their acceptance of and
trust in the peace process and their desire for genuine stability and peace in
their respective areas, comprised two men from Madaya Township, one man from
Pyigyitagun Township, two men from Singu Township, one man from Aungmyaythazan
Township, one man from Kyaukme Township, 10 men and three women from Nawnghkio
Township, one man from PyinOoLwin
Township and
one woman from Monywa Township.
According to
the report, the members of the DPLA, TNLA and PDF groups who returned to the
legal fold said they had decided to abandon the armed struggle and return to
the legal fold for various reasons.
These
included being forcibly recruited after their family members and relatives were
threatened and coerced; no longer accepting alleged acts of terrorism such as
threatening, arresting and killing innocent civilians and government employees
for the interests of armed groups; and the mining, bombing and destruction of
infrastructure, roads and bridges that were not military targets.
They also
cited alleged internal abuses within the groups, including discrimination based
on rank and status, bullying, torture and killing of fellow members, sexual
violence, hardship and poor living conditions, and declining morale due to an
inability to withstand the Tatmadaw’s offensive.
In addition,
they reportedly said they had accepted and placed their trust in the peace
process of the State and the Tatmadaw and wished to live peacefully within the
legal fold and contribute to the State and the people who had suffered losses
and damage because of their actions.
The report
said that those who return to the legal fold are welcomed and accepted,
provided with necessary assistance and support, and systematically handed over
to their parents and guardians. It added that many people who wish to return to
the legal fold are still remaining.
100/KZL
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar
No comments:
Post a Comment