11 PDF members reintegrate into society

THE government is extending an invitation to those involved in various armed groups, including the PDF, to return to the legal fold. Those who do so are being provided with necessary assis­tance and support.

The PDF members – 11 males – entered the legal fold with their arms and ammunition yesterday.

These returning members stated that they could no longer accept the terrorist acts com­mitted by the armed groups and PDF, such as forced conscrip­tion, threatening, arresting, and killing innocent civilians and civil servants for the benefit of terrorist organizations, planting mines and destroying non-mil­itary infrastructure like roads and bridges. They also cited dis­crimination, internal hierarchi­cal oppression, torture, killings, violence, poor living conditions, and demoralization due to an inability to resist Tatmadaw op­erations as reasons for leaving. Moreover, they expressed trust in the State and Tatmadaw’s peace processes and a desire to live peacefully under the law, hoping to contribute back to the State and people whom they had caused losses to.

The 11 individuals from Paukkaung, Nattalin, Minhla and Nyaunglebin townships of Bago Region entered the legal fold, and were accepted by re­sponsible officials.

At the handover ceremo­ny, PDF members were handed over to their parents or guardi­ans at Aye Chan Pyo Hall of the Southern Command Headquar­ters yesterday.

At the event, the command­er made a speech.

Those who rejoined the le­gal fold handed over one MA1, two MA3s, one BA63, one home­made M79, 252 bullets, eight magazines and one 40mm gre­nade to the commander.

The commander and offi­cials rewarded K5 million for one rifle, totalling K20 million for four rifles, K500,000 for one homemade rifle, and K300,000 per returnee, totalling K3.3mil­lion for 11 returnees.

The returnees signed pledges after receiving gifts and were handed back to their parents or guardians.

There are still individuals who wish to return to the legal fold. Those who intend to do so are encouraged to promptly contact and report to the near­est Tatmadaw bases or police stations. They will be welcomed and accepted, provided with the necessary assistance and sup­port, and cash rewards for any arms and ammunition. — MNA/ KTZH