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.
As part of the process, 22 individuals who had returned to the legal fold with weapons and ammunition were formally handed over to their parents and guardians at a ceremony held at the North-East Command Headquarters yesterday morning.
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.
Those wishing to return to the legal fold may contact and report to the nearest district or township administrative bodies, military camps or police stations, where they will be welcomed and provided with necessary assistance and support. It was also reported that appropriate cash rewards would be provided for weapons and ammunition handed over.
The voices of those who have returned to the legal fold were also heard as follows: — 100/KZL
