SPDC soldiers join Shan State Army

DVB ( 27 November 2003 )

A Burmese army captain and ten soldiers from Infantry Battalion 132 based in Mawkmai, Shan State deserted their army and joined SSA (Shan State Army) on 24 November.

The soldiers led by Capt. Kyaw Win deserted with several weapons and ammunitions because they are unable to survive the tortures of their commander Colonel Ye Minn Maung and killed him before they deserted.

The deserters were welcomed by Shan State Army at Loi Tanlang Camp and allowed them to consider their options, according to a SSA spokesperson.

Increasing numbers of Burmese soldiers have been deserting the army due to low morale and problems and polarisation between foot soldiers and their officers. The military junta of Burma, the SPDC has been increasingly using conscripted soldiers including under-aged boys in its effort to hold on to power.

The practice is fiercely denounced by the UN and international human rights organisations.