More than 60 PNLO members return to the legal framework along with arms and ammunition

THE State government has been inviting individuals within various groups, including PDF, who are engaged in armed op­position, to return to the legal fold. It is also providing nec­essary assistance and support to those who have re-entered within the framework of the law.

As a result of these efforts, members of PDF groups have been re-entering the legal fold one group after another. At the same time, Tatmadaw columns have been able to systemati­cally retake and control areas across regions and states that had been temporarily occupied by armed terrorist groups and PDF groups. Consequently, lo­cal people, in support of stabil­ity and peace in their areas, have warmly welcomed and backed Tatmadaw members who are carrying out their du­ties at great personal risk. With strong public encouragement, support, trust, and coopera­tion alongside the Tatmadaw, members of terrorist groups have become demoralized and no longer willing to continue resistance. As a result, PDF members who wish to aban­don the armed struggle, gain a correct understanding, and live peacefully have been reporting to officials at nearby military camps and re-entering the le­gal fold group by group, where they have been welcomed by responsible authorities in the respective areas.

Yesterday, a ceremony to hand over the returnees to par­ents and guardians took place at Thanlwin Hall of the East­ern Command Headquarters, attended by Shan State Chief Minister U Sai Htein Soe, Com­mander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Naing Oo, departmental officials, those returnees, their parents and guardians, and guests.

The State Chief Minister spoke words of honour whereas the Commander explained nec­essary clarification to the re­turnee youth. The Commander of Shan State Police Force also shared legal knowledge with the returnees. The returnee handed over three pistols, 14 Type-81s, four M-16s, four M-22s, two M-79s, two MA-11s, one carbine, 42 assorted maga­zines, 2,219 rounds of ammuni­tion, three mines, 15 grnades, 13 detonators and two walk­ie-talkies to the Commander.

The Shan State Chief Minister and the Command­er rewarded a reward of K6 million for three pistols, K135 million for 27 automatic rifles, K4.5 million for 15 grenades, K900,000 for three mines, K400,000 for two walkie-talkies, and K100,000 for each returnee totalling K6.1 million for 61 re­turnees. At the ceremony, the rewards amounted to K152.9 million and aids. Those return­ees signed the pledge and were handed over to their parents and guardians systematically.

Those returnee PNLOs were two male members from Taunggyi Township, one from Nyaungshwe Township, 30 from Hsihseng Township, 12 from Pinlaung Township, 10 from Maukmai Township and six from Loikaw Township, to­talling 61.

On 24 April, a press release was issued that 470 male mem­bers and 47 female members, totalling 517 from KIA, AA, PLA and PDF groups had returned to the legal fold at the Central Command.

Those who have re-entered the legal fold are being wel­comed and accepted, provided with necessary assistance and support, and systematically handed back to their parents or guardians. It is learned that there are still individuals who wish to return to the legal fold. Those who intend to do so are urged to promptly contact and report to the nearest district and township administrative bodies, military camps, or police stations, where they will be re­ceived and given the necessary assistance. It is also understood that appropriate rewards will be granted for arms and ammuni­tion. — MNA/TTA