The Mon State Federal Council’s Department of Defense (MSFC-DoD), Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF) and Mon State Defense Force (MSDF) issued a joint statement warning the public to refrain from engaging with and to oppose the military council’s People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Team.
The joint statement issued by the MSFC-DoD, MSRF, and MSDF on 2 September warns the public to report anyone involved with the military council’s People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Team, stating that such individuals will be treated as public traitors and decisive action will be taken against them.
Military training and arming of civilian men aged 35 to 65 in villages have begun.
The military council has initiated the recruitment of men aged 35 to 65 across various levels, including regions and states, Nay Pyi Taw, districts, townships, wards, and villages. These recruits are undergoing military training and are being armed.
Naing Din Pala Hong Sar of the MSFC-DoD stated that, as the military council’s strength and combat effectiveness wane, it is now targeting civilians aged 35 to 65 for duties related to ward and village security. The public is urged not to assist the military council, as it plans to deploy them to the front lines soon.
“They are working for their own interests, not for the public’s. They establish these teams for their own protection. Men over 35 are breadwinners with families. The junta claims that recruits will serve as security guards and send supplies, but their actions contradict these statements. Now, these recruits are being used as security guards and will be sent to the front line when the junta’s strength wanes. The public is advised to avoid any association with the military council. If necessary, they can seek assistance from the resistance forces, even if they are coerced into doing so,” said Naing Din Pala Hong Sar.
Local residents report that the military council has started recruiting for the public security and counter-terrorism team in Taungbon and Thaung Pyin villages in Ye Township, as well as in other townships.
Regarding this situation, Naing Din Pala Hong Sar stated: “The public must avoid actions that could support the junta. Initially, we will issue warnings to those who assist the junta wholeheartedly. If they persist, we will arrest and take action against them. If they are beyond our reach, we will seek assistance from our allies to take further action.”
Reports indicate that there have been deaths as the military council sends military training graduates to the front line. Locals are increasingly concerned as the military has reformed the public security and counter-terrorism team and is recruiting men of head-of-family age to join the militia.
Sent by IMNA
