An interview with U Naing Htoo Aung, Secretary of the Defense Ministry of the NUG
On 16 April, the Defense Ministry of the National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement that it will step up in arming the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).
The Than Lwin Times interviewed U Naing Htoo Aung, Secretary of the Defense Ministry of the NUG about armament, armament policies and the way of how to satisfy higher demands for arms.
Q: First, May I know about armaments by the Defense Ministry of the NUG?
A: Till now, the NUG’s defense ministry has allotted around 100 million USD. We spend around 60 per cent of the budget on the purchase of ammunition and arm production. The fund required for the basic armament of a battalion is more than one million USD. This doesn’t include the strategic equipping of heavy weapons and the expenses of ammunition used in the battles. Currently, there are over 300 battalions and the PDFs. We still have financial needs for basic armament. We are trying to best do the strategic armament with the use of available budgets. Currently, we can do one-fifth or one-sixth of basic arm requirements.
Q: which organizations does the NUG’s defense ministry mainly arm? Which policies does the NUG lay down?
A: Armament is under the change of command of the NUG (or) its allies. We will make efforts to arm the organizations which follow the code of conduct.
Q: The PDFs said they face discrimination in armaments. May I know your comment on it?
A: At present, when the need and arming is compared, there is a big gap. Battalions and units may have misunderstandings with little or no armaments as we have to carry out armaments for the strategic need. It is difficult for the NUG to equally share arms among all battalions. Sometimes, we may get the victory only when fully-equipped battalions and units can conduct operations. There are a lot of facts which are taken into consideration for armaments. There are many difficulties on the ground. There may be misunderstandings with the unfair allocation of arms. The public’s view will be crystal-clear when we step up armaments.
Q: As a last question, there are higher demands for ammunition on the ground. I have heard the news that some comrades are killed as there are not enough arms. How does the NUG prepare for it to avoid such cases?
A: We are trying to fully arm our comrades to best protect our people and end the revolution swiftly. There are a lot of necessities. We have resource limits. Our first priority is to increase available resources, increase production capacity and satisfy the needs. The availability of funds and armament is proportional. We are working to raise more funds and make the effective use of available funds.
Sent by Than Lwin Times