Irrawaddy-Apr 28
Myanmar’s regime has officially endorsed pro-junta militias that are increasingly targeting civilians who oppose military rule. Junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun told the regime-controlled media in Naypyitaw on Wednesday that the regime was implementing a “public security system” and will strengthen them to eliminate “terrorist” forces. “We will support them with manpower and equipment,” he said. His comments come as pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militias are increasingly terrorizing civilians and ambush resistance fighters alongside regime troops in resistance strongholds like Sagaing, Magwe and Mandalay regions. The first Pyu Saw Htee — named after a legendary historical hero — militias were formed in mid-May last year after the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) began forming people’s defense forces (PDFs) to resist the regime. The groups emerged as attacks on military-appointed administrators and administrative offices were increasing. The Progressive Voice rights group recently reported that the Pyu Saw Htee are becoming increasingly violent and are permitted by the junta to make arrests, kill PDF members, loot and destroy property and assassinate political leaders. On Wednesday, the NUG’s defense ministry released a statement calling for members of the Pyu Saw Htee and other groups trained and armed by the regime to surrender to resistance forces. The ministry said it will protect those defecting while saying militia members guilty of war crimes will face the same justice as members of the armed forces. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-officially-endorses-militias-to-attack-anti-regime-civilians.html
