Myanmar’s military says over 500 opposition fighters surrendered, but a rebel faction alleges the ceremony was a propaganda stunt
MANDALAY: Myanmar’s military announced the surrender of more than 500 opposition fighters. The claim was made during a disarming ceremony witnessed by journalists in the central city.
The event took place on a military base within the grounds of the ancient Royal Palace. AFP journalists saw hundreds of personnel assembled before a table stacked with guns, bullets and weapon magazines.
“You went there because you didn’t know any better, but now you have regained your conscience,” head of Myanmar’s Central Command, Brigadier General Aung Htay, told the assembled ranks. He told them that living in the jungle was not like in movies.
The assembled ranks wore mismatched camouflaged and drab uniforms. Many were stamped with the logo of the Mandalay People’s Defence Force (PDF).
A Mandalay PDF spokesman disputed the military’s narrative. “There is no case of our PDFs surrendering to the Myanmar military in those kinds of numbers,” he said, suggesting the event was for propaganda.
He noted it was rare for fighters to surrender with full uniforms and badges. The spokesman also pointed out perceived mistakes in how the uniforms were being worn.
The military permitted press interviews with some of the assembled personnel. One 39-year-old man, who remained anonymous for security reasons, said he joined because he disliked the regime.
He said he was followed into the PDF by his wife and two daughters. “Their leadership is very different from what we expected. That is why we came back,” he added.
Myanmar has been consumed by civil war since the 2021 military coup. A complex array of rebel factions, including pro-democracy PDFs and long-established ethnic armies, are fighting the junta.
Recent Chinese-brokered truces with two key ethnic factions have shifted the conflict’s dynamics. These ceasefires have left some pro-democracy forces isolated around Mandalay.
Analysts interpret the truces as a sign Beijing backs the military to maintain stability. The People’s Defence Forces have achieved notable victories fighting alongside more experienced ethnic groups.
The Sun Malaysia
