An interview with the female youth who is actively participate in the urban protests in Mandalay
August 5, 2022
Under the leadership of the protest leaders from Mandalay and Monywa, the courses on federalism and politics are being conducted for the regiments and units of the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) in Sagaing Region. The Than Lwin Times interviewed Ma Aye Myint Myint Aung, an activist from Mandalay, who leads the training course, about the courses for the PDFs and the future processes.
Q: Firstly, why is the federalism and politics course conducted?
A: At the beginning of the Spring Revolution, we set the four-point revolutionary goal. We have firmly set the goal to build up a federal democratic union which is one of the goals. On the other hand, groups like the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) are walking on the path to federalism. However, the revolutionary forces on the ground need to have harmony and a thorough understanding of federalism. So, we tried to conduct the course for the PDFs. What we found on the ground is that most of the people have heard the term “Federalism” but have no thorough understanding of it. So, we want to conduct the courses with the use of more effective means. Another point is we give talks on the Code of Conduct and Change of Command in addition to the federalism course. This knowledge is required for the current political landscape. It is crucial for us not to have the Fascist spirit when we are revolutionizing the Fascist army. So, the course aims to have control over political and military affairs.
Q: How do you conduct the courses?
A: I held a discussion with the team on how to conduct the course. At the beginning, we planned to open the long-term courses. But it is difficult to open the long-term course according to the current situations in Sagaing Region. So, we started the short-term course. We taught one group per day when we opened the courses for regiments and units in Monywa and ChaungU. One group has more than 70 trainees. After the completion of a three-day course, it amounts to training the entire battalion.
Q: How do you open the courses on federalism and politics?
A: Currently, we have conducted the courses for three battalions. We are planning to conduct the course for the units and regiments.
Q: What kinds of benefits do you expect from the federalism and political courses conducted for the PDFs?
A: We have got feedback only from the trainees as we recently conducted the course. It is difficult to answer that question as we have to conduct a survey on how the regiments and units change after the completion of the course. However, it is found that the feedback from the trainees is good. They gave feedback on how the course is good for them.
Q: Do you have anything to add?
A: Yes. We conducted the courses and publicized it via the media. In a democracy system, the power derives from the public. It is required for those involved in the revolutionary front to enable the public to know what they are doing at present. Holding arms is very dangerous. Both we and the public have the responsibility to control the armed resistance fighters. In the revolution, the military affair alone is insufficient. The revolution which is devoid of political knowledge is very dangerous. So, I want to say that the federalism and political courses are essential for the revolutionary forces to walk on the right path by facing the public.
Sent by Than Lwin Times
