An interview with Ko La Pyae, the person responsible for political affairs at People’s Democratic Organization/Army (PDO/PDA) from Column-8, about the activities and political aspirations of the Column-8 in the Anyar Region.
Since the coup, numerous local defense forces have emerged in the central Myanmar, particularly in the Magway Region, to resist the military dictatorship in the Spring Revolution. Among them is the No.8 Military Column, which was formed through the collaboration of three local defense groups operating in the Magway Region.
Following its formation, the No.8 Military Column successfully seized control of the Yaylarlay camp near Kanma town in Pakokku District on 18 December. During the conflict, six junta soldiers were killed, seven were captured alive, and a significant number of arms and ammunition was confiscated.
Than Lwin Times interviewed Ko La Pyae, an official from the political department under PDO/PDA comprised of Column-8, the emergence of column and its successful capture of the junta camp, as well as the current military activities and future military expectations.
Q: Can you tell us about the formation of the Column-8?
A: The Column-8 is a revolutionary organization that emerged during the 2021 Spring Revolution with the goal of fighting against the terrorist military dictatorship. In our struggle against the fascist regime, we believe that unity with other organizations sharing the same objectives and path will allow us to fight more effectively than if we were to fight alone. With this in mind, our organization sought out allies and worked to build strong alliances. As a result of these efforts, we successfully merged with the People’s Revolution Front (PRF) on 3 January 2024. The Column-8 was formed through the participation of both political and military representatives from our organization and the PRF. It can be considered a joint column, combining the armed forces of both groups, each with its own political and military goals. Since 3 January 2024, we have been operating secretly, carrying out strategic operations, including battles to capture enemy camps and intercepting enemy forces. Later, the SRF, a student resistance group, joined our efforts, bringing the total number of members to three.
Q: Can you tell us about the active area of the No.8 Military Column and the views of the people living there?
A: The No.8 Military Column is currently active in the Magwe Region. During both the first and second phases of our operations, we have been intercepting enemy forces and carrying out attacks in Pakokku. We also target and attack enemy camps. Initially, we kept our activities secret and did not post updates online. It was only after the three groups formed an alliance that we publicized our efforts. The Column-8 has received significant support from the local communities in Myaing and Pakokku, where our offensives have taken place. The public became aware of our actions through the internet.
The public affectionately refers to the Column-8 as the Red Star Column or the fawn-colored column because we wear hats adorned with a red star. Whenever the people see our column, they cheer, support, and generously donate to us. The No.8 Military Column greatly relies on the local communities for support. Our column is known for its discipline, and the public’s support is overwhelming. They greet us with love and warmth, always welcoming us with open arms.
Q: What is the relationship between your group and the local battalions under the Ministry of Defense (MOD)?
A: Our relationship with the local battalions under the Ministry of Defense (MOD) is very positive, and it can be described as a collective effort. During the first phase, we coordinated with regional battalions to storm the enemy’s camp in Myaing. The No.8 Military Column carried out attacks in collaboration with these regional battalions and units. We operate in unison, conducting offensives together. So far, our joint efforts have been progressing smoothly without major difficulties.
Q: What number is Yay Lar Lay camp among the camps captured by the Column-8? Has the column captured this camp previously? What are the differences?
A: On 11 December, we successfully captured the enemy’s base camp. This camp had been causing significant harm to the surrounding communities. The villages near the militia camp were set on fire, and the people were beaten and robbed. The enemy was torturing the public by forcibly taking individuals from vehicles to work as porters and demanding extortion money. These abuses have been ongoing for a long time, and the local population has suffered greatly because of this camp. The public requested that the Column-8 take action, and in response to their plea, we attacked the base camp. The camp was occupied by militia members from the village and soldiers from Division 101.
Additionally, the Nyaing Shit Pin base camp, located along the Kanma-Pakokku road, has been inflicting various hardships on the public. Passengers and trucks passing through the area have been subjected to various forms of torture. Revolutionary organizations cannot allow such atrocities to continue, and we had no choice but to take action. This was just our first battle to capture a camp. Initially, we had two phases of operations. After the first phase, there was a brief break, during which we captured additional camps, though not under the name of the Column-8. However, members of the Column-8 participated in these camp-capture operations. These actions reflect the results of the first phase of the Column-8 after the integration of our forces with the PRF. In the second phase, the Column-8 successfully captured one camp, while three camps were captured between the first and second phases.
Q: Why did you capture the camps in the Anyar region without the assistance of EAOs? Also, will there be more battles to capture camps in the future? What challenges do you face?
A: We were able to capture the camps in the Anyar region without the help of EAOs. I believe this success is due to the three years of political and military experience we have gained. In the past, efforts were not as coordinated, but now we operate through alliances. As an alliance, we have had extensive discussions and worked hard to foster a sense of camaraderie. Our efforts in building unity played a crucial role in our ability to carry out the battles to capture the camps. The key factor in our success is collective power. I firmly believe that it was through the strength of our collective efforts that we were able to achieve this.
Q: What are the current activities of the PAO/PDA?
A: There will be more efforts to capture camps in the future, and we are making additional preparations for this. The demand for weapons and the challenges we face are significant, as the battles to capture camps in the Anyar region continue. Transporting weapons to the region is difficult, and the cost is extremely high. The funds available to us are relatively low, especially compared to the areas controlled by EAOs. For example, if we buy a weapon for Ks 4500 in other regions, the same weapon costs Ks 10,000 in Anyar. Our expenditures are greater than our income, and we face similar challenges when it comes to purchasing ammunition, with bullets costing Ks 10,000 each. As a result, we are struggling to acquire the arms and ammunition we need.
Not only are we facing these challenges, but our alliances are also dealing with financial and weapon shortages. Despite these difficulties, we are determined to continue our offensives and capture more camps. We are working to strengthen the Column-8, making it a more effective alliance capable of carrying out assaults on the enemy. In addition, we are striving to include more organizations in the Column-8 and are actively seeking other alliances. While facing these hardships, we are secretly preparing and working to attack the enemy’s camps.
Q: How would you like to urge the public regarding the struggle to capture camps in the Anyar region?
A: Over the past three years, our experience has grown stronger. We have learned from our mistakes and made the necessary adjustments. We have achieved some victories, and more are on the horizon. The military dictatorship is nearing its collapse and will not be able to stand much longer. Our organization relies heavily on the support of the public, and without their help, we will be in a weaker position moving forward. In the Anyar region, we are committed to our struggle and ask for the public’s continued support. As our efforts gradually improve, more victories are certain. I want to encourage the people of Anyar Region to stay strong, as we have already achieved success and will achieve more in the future. I urge the public to have unwavering faith and to believe that we will undoubtedly defeat and crush the military dictatorship.
Sent by Than Lwin Times
