Mizzima
The Yinmabin District People’s Defence Force (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG) released a statement on 19 February calling on those living in Yinmabin District hold weapons issued by the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) to promptly contact their respective district or township People’s Defence Organisation (PDO or Pa Ka Pha) units and surrender the firearms and related equipment.
Ward, village-tract, and sub-township-level PDO and People’s Administration Teams operating in Yinmabin District have also been advised to coordinate with district and township PDO officials if any BNRA members are found in their respective areas.
The announcement also strongly prohibits the sale, pawning, concealment, or destruction of any BNRA-issued weapons and accessories. It warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found engaging in such activities during inspections.
The statement comes after the NUG reported that around 150 members of the BNRA, including three battalion commanders, surrendered their arms and joined the PDF. The move followed reports that BNRA leader Bo Nagar and several senior officials were taken away by two Myanmar junta helicopters on 18 February.
“Some BNRA members are afraid and avoiding contact with us because they believe they might be killed. But we have already met with some of them, and a number are now staying with us like brothers,” said Ko Nay Min of Yinmabin District Battalion 12.
However, not all BNRA members have joined the PDF or PDO units.
Some are reported to have defected to the junta instead. In Min Tine Pin village, 15 BNRA members allegedly joined the junta forces, while another five are said to have joined the junta unit based in Pale Township.
Comments
Post a Comment