An interview with Ko Nway Oo from the Civilian Defense and Security Organization (CDSOM) in Myaung Township
The CDSOM is a force which fought against the military council’s Orge Commando Column which are killing and beheading the PDF members.
The Than Lwin Times interviewed Ko Nway Oo from the CDSOM about the clash with the Orge column, the beheading of deputy battalion commander captain Sin Yine and the difficulties including the current military situation in upper Myanmar.
Q: First of all, May I know the military situation in upper Myanmar?
A: We can buy weapons, arms and bullets with money donated by the public. We get more victories as our battles with the army are totally different from the past. However, we have not reached the stage of achieving success. The public cannot make donations like before. Almost all forces are struggling to buy weapons. The forces which get assistance are okay. It is difficult for the forces which do not get any assistance to survive. We face a lot of difficulties.
Q: Can you recall the battle against the military council’s Orge commando?
A: On 3 March, the Orge column started entering. Ambush attacks took place every day. The biggest battle took place on 15 March. Eight members were killed on 15 March and nine on 16 March. On 20 March, the column left for Yesagyo. On 21 March, we ambushed them. The battle took 2.5 hours. Twenty-one members were killed in the battle. Among those killed in the battle is the commander of the military column. We found the body of Sergeant Myint Kyaw buried along with the order. The column suffered heavy casualties.
Q: Why did Deputy Battalion Commander Captain Sin Yine die in the battle? To what extent, does his death bring loss to the force?
A: Since the establishment, he led the training courses and rule enforcement. He is excellent. He himself has discipline. His morale is very simple. He is a good man. At around 5 am on 30 March, the Orge column attacked our camp with two columns—one from the south and one from the north. They have no arms to resist the junta soldiers. Ko Sin Yine managed to escape. He was shot as he helped the CDM captain who fell down. His friend got arrested. Two comrades were murdered. The soldiers cut off his hand and head. We can imagine his inner mind by looking at his comrade spirit.
Q: What is the difference between the Orge column and the regular military column?
A: Those from the Orge column dare to die. They move forward and don’t care even when they face mine attacks or shootings. They are very proficient in hiding. We cannot estimate their route. Their tactics are very good. They can hide in order that other people cannot find them. We have to carefully deal with it as the military column is totally different from others.
Q: It is found that the military council has increased its oppressions in upper Myanmar. May I know your view on it?
A: Sagaing region faces oppression. The army seized the camp in Yesagyo. five comrades were killed. In late February and March, the PDF members and the public were killed. In my view, the military council wants to get territorial control. The military council can easily crush the rest if the strong resistance areas collapse. The military council is making crackdowns on all forces.
Q: Which message do you want to convey to the National Unity Government?
A: We have a connection with the NUG. It started in May, 2021. The people, PDF battalions and units and local defense forces across the country have recognized the NUG as an official government. We are revolutionizing the military council to enable the NUG to become a government. The NUG is to accept criticism when we put our finger on weak departments. They will be in a vicious circle if they treat us as an enemy when we point out weak points. If the revolution does not come to an end, the public will be in big trouble. The people will have no food. They may be murdered. The innocent people have to move to safer places. Houses are burned down. We all need to pay attention only to the revolution. We need to recollect the things which can end the revolution. This revolution will not come to an end due to favouritism. I strongly believe that it will be a means which will end the revolution quickly if we are doing our work with the good leadership spirit regardless of the persons and organizations.
Q: As a last question, which message do you want to convey to the public?
A: I would like to convey two important messages to the public. This military column is trained to kill the people. They brutally kill either the people or the PDF members. It is crucial for the public to flee to safer places when our defense forces issue warnings. The people who remain in the village can do nothing when they enter the village. We can do our work well if the people can flee to safer places. The first message is that people need to flee to safer places in order that we can do our work well and they are safe. Another one is I am afraid to tell the public. No one provides us with arms when our arms run out. We have to buy arms with the money donated by the public. Almost all villages face arson. Almost all people face difficulties. I don’t want to urge the public to make donations as they have to struggle for their survival. We can advance this revolutionary journey faster and further if the NUG provides us with necessary weapons for the fight against the military council.
Sent by Than Lwin Times