FIVE self-styled People’s Defence Force (PDF) members who accepted the peace initiatives of the State and the Tatmadaw returned to the legal fold yesterday, surrendering weapons and ammunition.
The Government has been inviting those involved in armed opposition under various group names, including the PDF, to return to the legal fold and has been providing necessary assistance to those who do so. In line with this policy, the five men said they had come to understand and accept the peace processes of the State and the Tatmadaw and therefore returned peacefully with their weapons and ammunition.
According to the returnees, they had been forcibly recruited through pressure and coercion involving family members and relatives. They said they could no longer accept acts of terrorism carried out in the interests of terrorist groups, including threats, arrests and killings of innocent civilians and government employees, as well as the planting of mines and the destruction of non-military targets such as basic infrastructure, roads and bridges. They also cited internal discrimination and abuse within the groups, including bullying, torture, killings and other forms of violence, harsh living conditions, declining morale, and their inability to withstand Tatmadaw offensives. They added that they wished to abandon the armed path, live peacefully within the legal framework, and make amends to the State and the people for the losses caused by their actions.
The five returnees include one man from Kyondoe in Kawkareik Township and four men from villages in the same township – two from Kyunkalay village and two from Noepawhe village, all in Kayin State. Officials welcomed them and held a handover ceremony yesterday afternoon at Meeting Hall II of the Kayin State government office, formally returning them to their parents and guardians. The ceremony was attended by Kayin State Chief Minister U Saw Myint Oo, Deputy Commander Col Nay Myo of the South-East Command, state ministers, departmental officials, the returnees and their parents or guardians, among other invitees.
At the ceremony, the chief minister delivered opening remarks, followed by an explanation of relevant legal provisions by the Deputy Commander. The returnees then handed over the weapons they had brought with them, including one 9 mm pistol, one M16 rifle, one .30 calibre carbine, one handmade 40 mm grenade launcher, one handmade sniper rifle and eight hand grenades. These were accepted by the chief minister and responsible officials.
In accordance with regulations, the chief minister, the deputy commander and officials provided rewards and assistance to the returnees. The rewards included K5 million per assault rifle, totalling K10 million for two rifles; K2 million for one pistol; K500,000 per handmade firearm, totalling K1 million for two handmade guns; and K300,000 per hand grenade or handmade mine, totalling K2.4 million for eight items. In total, K15.4 million in rewards, along with support materials, were provided. The returnees signed pledges and were formally handed back to their parents or guardians.
Afterwards, the chief minister, the deputy commander and officials inspected the surrendered weapons and ammunition, greeted attendees and hosted refreshments.
Authorities said that the welcoming, assistance and systematic handover process for those returning to the legal fold will continue, noting that others still wish to do so. Those who wish to return are encouraged to contact the nearest district or township administrative bodies, military camps or police stations as soon as possible. Officials said such individuals will be welcomed, provided with necessary assistance, and offered rewards for surrendered weapons and munitions, according to sources. — MNA/KZL
