The Government has been inviting individuals who are involved in armed opposition groups operating under various names, including the PDF, to return to the legal fold, and is providing necessary assistance to those who do so.

A total of 24 individuals – 22 men and two women – who had been members of groups operating under the name of the PDF and who have come to understand the peace processes of the State and Tatmadaw, entered the legal framework today together with weapons and ammunition.

These individuals decided to return to the legal fold because they could no longer accept being coerced and forcibly recruited; being compelled to threaten, arrest and kill innocent civilians and government employees for the interests of terrorist groups; and carrying out acts of terrorism such as planting mines and destroying non-military targets, including basic infrastructure, roads and bridges. In addition, they experienced internal discrimination and oppression within these groups, including abuse, killings and other violent acts among members of different ranks, as well as hardship and severe living conditions. They also became demoralized as they were no longer able to withstand Tatmadaw’s military operations.

Furthermore, having come to trust and accept the peace processes of the State and Tatmadaw, they chose to abandon the armed path and return to the legal fold to live peacefully under the law and to contribute once again to the State and the people, who have suffered losses as a result of their actions.

Those who returned to the legal fold comprised 22 men and two women from Monywa Township, Sagaing Township, Kalay Township and Khamti Township. Responsible officials welcomed them and held a ceremony to formally hand them back to their parents or guardians yesterday afternoon at the Zeyathiri Hall of the North-West Command Headquarters. The ceremony was attended by Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Myat Kyaw, Commander Brig-Gen Kyaw Thura, departmental officials, the returnees and their parents or guardians.

At the outset, the chief minister delivered opening remarks, after which the commander gave a briefing on regional stability and tranquillity, as well as on relevant legal provisions. Subsequently, those who had returned to the legal fold handed over the weapons and ammunition they had brought with them, namely two Type-81 rifles with four magazines and 17 rounds of ammunition, and one M-4 rifle with one magazine and ten rounds of ammunition, which the commander received.
Thereafter, the chief minister and the commander provided each returnee with K2 million in cash, amounting to a total of K48 million, along with food supplies. They signed pledges, and then they were formally handed back to their parents or guardians.
The chief minister, the commander and the responsible officials then warmly greeted those in attendance and hosted them with refreshments.

Those who return to the legal fold are being welcomed, provided with necessary assistance and systematically handed back to their parents or guardians. There are still individuals who wish to return to the legal fold. Those wishing to do so are urged to contact the nearest district or township administrative bodies, military camps or police stations as soon as possible, where they will be warmly received and provided with necessary assistance. Rewards will also be granted for weapons and ammunition surrendered.

MNA/KZL

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