Depleted Myanmar military urges deserters to return to fold

By Admin 05 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
5 December 2023, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime has invited soldiers who have deserted or gone absent without leave to return to the barracks, promising that they will not be punished for any minor crime they might have committed.

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun told state-controlled broadcaster MRTV: “Thousands of [military personnel who have deserted or gone absent without leave] have contacted to serve in Tatmadaw [Myanmar military]. Some of the fervent personnel asked us to only assign them to combat duty and nothing else, despite their old age. However, considering their age and health status, we can only assign them to guard duty.”

The fact that the regime has invited deserters and personnel who have gone absent without leave back into the fold amid an expanding nationwide resistance offensive indicates a shortage of personnel, according to a politician who did not want to be named.

“This shows how much junta forces have been depleted, and the regime is doomed to defeat,” said the politician.

Under the Defense Services Act 1959, desertion and absence without leave is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

The regime is desperate for recruits because of the heavy casualties it has suffered in ongoing fighting, say observers. 

“The regime is suffering heavy casualties today, and is also loathed by the people. Under such circumstances, no one would return. If someone joins the regime under the current circumstances, it amounts to digging his own grave,” said a former lawmaker from Arakan State.

Around a dozen towns and hundreds of junta positions have fallen in Kachin, Shan, Kayin, Karenni (Kayah), Chin and Arakan states, as well as Sagaing, Magwe and Tanintharyi regions, since the start of Operation 1027 on October 27. 

As resistance forces have made sweeping gains over the past month, the regime has been forced to defend from major cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw, politicians say.