An interview with the information officer of the Dawei East Forest-People’s Defense Force (DEF-PDF)
June 28th, 2022
In recent days, the military council has been committing the violence acts such as raids, the arrests and killings of innocent people and the burning of houses in some areas in Launglon Township in Tanintharyi Region. The Than Lwin Times interviewed the information officer of the DEF-PDF about why the military council is carrying out oppression in Tanintharyi Region? How will the PDFs respond to the military council’s violence acts?
Q: In recent days, the military is carrying out raids, arrests and killings of the people with the use of excessive force, in Tanintharyi Region. May I know your view on the military council’s atrocities?
A: I have heard the news that during his tour to Tanintharyi region, the Vice-Chair of the military council Vice-Senior General Soe Win ordered the army to do the same like Sagaing and Magway Regions. The soldiers said they are performing their duties according to the order. We have prepared for the defense as much as we can. I have heard the news that the military has arrested nearly 30 people in Launglon. The military shot and arrested many people. According to the list, the military shot and arrested around 10 people.
Q: How about the current situation in the Tanintharyi Region?
A: At present, the military is conducting large-scale searches along the Launglon area. Launglon is surrounded by water, according to the geographical location. It is like an island. The military is making efforts to control it. This area is narrow. The military aims to oppress and control this area. The military plans to control Yephyu and Thayetchaung Districts in Dawei with the use of excessive forces after it has controlled the area.
Q: How do the PDFs plan to respond to the military council’s terrorist acts?
A: I think they have no consciousness. The military always said they are performing their duties according to the orders from the above. We have prepared for the defense as much as we can. We would like to urge the public not to stay together with the military, send information to the military and work as the informants.
Q: As a last question, which message do you want to convey to the public?
A: We will defend our people as much as we can. We have to turn to guerrilla warfare as we have no weapons and arms like a standard army. I would like to implore the public as we cannot defend the public to the utmost. We would like to request the public to pluck up courage.
We would like to affirm that we will root out the military council by helping and defending the public to the utmost.
Sent by the Than Lwin Times.
