About 20 soldiers from the battalions and units under the Southwest Command in Pathein of Ayeyawaddy Region, have deserted the army as they are transferred to war-torn areas, said the persons close to the families of the (Southwest Command) soldiers.
The deserters are soldiers from the company under the military police-464 in the Southwest Command in Pathein and soldiers from Htaungkone military recruitment unit, the persons close to the families of Southwest Command.
Furthermore, it is said that seven sergeants from the company under the military police-464 in the compound of Southwest Command fled from the army as they were transferred to northern Shan State, where the war is going on.
A person close to the families of the Military Police-464 said: “Today, it’s been four days since they ran away. The families are being detained in the army. They are not allowed to meet others. The families of soldiers in the compound of Southwest command are not allowed to go outside in order to hide the news.”
It has been two days since 13 soldiers from the military recruitment unit in Htaungkone ward ran away as they were transferred to northern Shan State and Arakan State, some people living near Htaungkone military recruitment unit said.
A person close to the SouthWest Command said: “All the deserters are included on the transfer list. The military council is carrying out extensive searches of them at the entry and exit gates of the towns with names and photos. Security is tightened in the unit. Soldiers and their families are not allowed to go outside.”
The SouthWest Command no longer allows soldiers to take leave as there are a large number of unauthorized absences and absences after leave in the troops under the SWC before desertion.
Some of those who were planning to desert the army are unable to desert due to the strict rules.
According to the persons close to the military, the officers and soldiers of the Southwest military command in Pathein are paying bribes as they are afraid of moving to war-torn areas.
Those who have no good relations with their seniors are forced to move to the war-torn areas.
Sent by NMG