An interview with Nant Yati Oo, general secretary of the People’s United Front (PUF), regarding the formation of the PUF, its areas of military operations, and current military activities.
The People’s United Front (PUF) marked its one-year anniversary of formation on 10 February 2025. The revolutionary group was established with the objectives of completely dismantling the military dictatorship system (the military triad), achieving the total liberation of all diverse ethnic peoples, and uniting all revolutionary organizations.
On its one-year anniversary, the PUF announced that it is ready to collaborate with allied revolutionary organizations and ethnic revolutionary forces to conduct political and military struggles in areas within Ayeyarwady and western Bago Regions.
Shanni Voice conducted this interview with PUF general secretary Nant Yati Oo regarding the formation of the PUF, its areas of military operations, and current military activities.
Q: Please first tell us about the formation of the PUF and the participants involved.
A: The People’s United Front was formed on 10 February 2024, by former student union members, ethnic youth, local revolutionary forces (Local PDFs) that emerged with the Spring Revolution, CDM organizations, and young political activists who fought for the democracy of Myanmar and the dissolution of the 2008 Constitution. Together, following the principle of “uniting in similarity and separating in difference,” and with the belief that the concern of one group is the concern of all, we engaged in the struggle as a single united force. It was from this context that, with the conviction that only a united coalition of all resistant forces sharing the same enemy could swiftly achieve victory, we established the PUF.
Q: What are the military objectives of the PUF, and which areas will it operate in militarily?
A: The military objectives are clear. For over 70 years, our people have been subjected to oppression and violence in various forms by what we refer to here as the military triad (military regime, pillar of support for the military, and military bureaucracy), or as we collectively call it, the military dictatorship. We will continue to fight relentlessly until this entire system is completely dismantled, and the power returns to the hands of the people, where it belongs. We’re not limited to just Ayeyarwady and Bago Regions we’ve currently mentioned. If some areas are liberated while others remain under oppression, we’ll keep fighting for those places too. Wherever oppressed people exist, the People’s Unity Front will stand with the people and strive to reach a position where we can fight on their behalf.
Q: Why did you specifically choose Ayeyarwady Region and western Bago Region as the primary areas for military operations?
A: Ayeyarwady Region is a diverse delta region where various ethnic groups reside, and it is also a delta region with a rich revolutionary history and tradition. In the history of resistance against military dictatorship, there have been numerous brave revolutionary fighters. It is also not wrong to say that this region, sustained by the labor of farmers who produce enough rice to feed the entire country, is a vital agricultural hub. In such a region, we have the desire to overthrow the oppressive military dictatorship and, together with all ethnic peoples, rebuild a prosperous delta region. Also, after assessing the geographical advantages, the strategic continuity, and the practical circumstances of the revolution, we also chose western Bago Region.
Q: Are there currently any military operations being conducted by the PUF within those regions? What is the situation of the battles within those areas?
Answer: Yes, military operations are being conducted. But, we have not yet disclosed details for security reasons. We will provide information when the time is right.
Q: Since Ayeyarwady Region and Bago Region are areas where the junta forces are strong, what is the current situation of the junta troops? With battles also taking place with groups like the Arakha Army (AA), how does the PUF assess the junta’s ability to maintain control?
A: Indeed, the current situation of the enemy is such that they are both a paper tiger and a real tiger. From our perspective, dismantling an army that has been built over many years is not an easy task. But, when the politically conscious awareness of a people oppressed for many years rises, we ourselves have also become a real tiger for the enemy. Now, because different organizations are united in fighting the same common enemy, we are getting closer to achieving our shared goal.
Q: Since PUF has turned one year now, what would be the most pressing needs for the group this year?
A: As the revolutionary period continues, it’s not just us but many organizations that have faced similar needs. Primarily, these would be budget [funds] and medical supplies. Since we are also helping with reconstruction efforts in some liberated areas, the need for medical supplies and funds is quite significant. Another need is what we call the “source of revolutionary soldiers.” As the revolutionary period extends, the demand for comrades grows. Unlike the terrorist military, which conscripts anyone of age by force, we only have comrades who join based on their own stance and beliefs. So, this need exists for us as well. For this reason, we warmly welcome all youth who wish to join the armed revolution themselves and those who want to avoid the junta’s military service law.
In particular, we focus on women. In the coming weeks, we will also invite women to take part in training, so they do not fall into the hands of inhumane oppressors. So, we encourage women to connect with revolutionary organizations that are conducting legitimate people’s liberation struggles and contribute in the fields they are capable of to support the cause. We also want to let you know that we warmly welcome anyone who contacts us and wishes to join.
Sent by Shanni Voice.
