FORTY members of various armed groups, including PDF, PNLO, DPLA, and KNDF, who accepted the peace initiatives of the State and Tatmadaw, returned to the legal framework yesterday, surrendering weapons and ammunition.
The 40 returnees comprise seven from the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), seven from the Pekhon PDF, two from the Moebye PDF, 12 from DPLA, seven from KNDF, one from the PDF (southern Shan), and four from the Kyaukse PDF. They brough four M-16 rifles, one M-22 rifle, and one handmade launcher, totalling five firearms and one launcher, along with three magazines and 161 rounds of various ammunition along with them.
Officials welcomed the returnees at a handover ceremony held yesterday morning at the Thanlwin Hall of the Eastern Command, formally reuniting them with their parents and guardians. The ceremony was attended by Shan State Chief Minister U Sai Htein Soe, Commander of the Eastern Command Brig- Gen Kyaw Naing Oo, state ministers, departmental officials, the returnees, and their families.
During the ceremony, the chief minister delivered the opening remarks, after which the Commander explained the relevant legal provisions. The chief minister and the Commander then provided cash rewards and humanitarian assistance to the returnees.
The Shan State government awarded K5 million for each of the five firearms (totalling K25 million), K200,000 for the handmade launcher, K300,000 for handmade mines, and K8 million for the 40 individuals at a rate of K200,000 each, bringing the total cash disbursement to K33.5 million.
Returnees signed formal pledges before being systematically handed back to their parents and guardians. A representative of the returnees then expressed gratitude to the authorities, after which the chief minister and the commander warmly greeted the attendees.
Authorities stated that the welcoming, assistance, and systematic handover process will continue, noting that more individuals have expressed a desire to return to the legal fold. Those wishing to return are encouraged to contact their nearest district or township administrative bodies, military camps, or police stations as soon as possible. Officials reaffirmed that all returnees will be warmly welcomed, provided with necessary support, and offered cash rewards for any surrendered weapons and ammunition. — MNA/ MKKS
