A total of 47 members of the People’s Defense Forces – Demoso Township (DMO-PDF), a resistance group born out of the Spring Revolution, have been killed in the two years since the military coup, according to a 10 May statement from DMO-PDF.
“Most of our comrades are over 19 years old. Some of them are in their 20s and 30s. The comrade we lost four or five days ago wasn’t killed in combat. He was killed by artillery fire from regime troops without any fighting, perhaps because they had flown reconnaissance drones over our column. Several people were injured, though not seriously. But one comrade was killed on the spot. Most of them were over 19 and 20 years old. Most of them were killed in combat,” said an official in charge of news and information at DMO-PDF.
Among the fallen fighters are those killed in firefights, artillery shelling and mine explosions, including platoon commanders, section commanders and other comrades, including a female medical officer.
In the Demoso Township, military council troops and combined forces of DMO-PDF and other allies had clashed 159 times as of 10 May. In the two years since the resistance began, 47 members of DMO-PDF have been killed, 101 injured, and as many as 19 lost their limbs.
The PDF official went on to say that they have offered the comrades who lost their limbs to either go poultry farming, pursue their interests, or do other business.
“We don’t have a specific plan, but we have some form of support for groups abroad. For example, we buy them pigs if they want to raise pigs. They can also study the subjects they are interested in, such as computer courses or cell phone repair. So far, we have offered such opportunities,” he added.
The DMO-PDF was established on 6 May 2021 with 4,500 people from 120 villages in line with the guidanec of the National Unity Government (NUG) and under the leadership of 12 members of the Demoso Township Strike Committee, the statement said. Kantarawaddy Times could not independently verify the group’s actual strength.
Currently, the PDF is conducting joint military operations in Demoso, Pekon, Pinlaung, and Bawlakhe townships.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.