Mawlamyine, June (13)
The military regime has so far issued weapons to more than 30 officers serving in departments in Mon State, sources close to the state office told Than Lwin Times.
Among those who received weapons were most from the General Administration Department and Immigration Department, with some officers from other departments.
The military council prioritizes arming the officers of townships that are frequently assaulted, such as Ye, Kyaikto, Belin, and Thaton, where there is no territorial stability in the state.
According to a source close to the State Office of the military council, while senior personnel in some departments seek to be armed, the authorities provide weapons to some based on security and necessities.
The military council has previously issued weapons to some departmental officials, including state, district, and township administrators, and provided some soldiers and police for their security.
On the other hand, the military council released on January 31 the principle of right to bear arms for departmental employees, including civilians who are required to bear arms for security reasons.
Furthermore, on May 11, the junta adopted a weapons law, which specifies that anyone found guilty of violating any prohibition by illegally carrying a firearm faces a minimum of six months in prison, a maximum of life in prison, or the death penalty.
Following the announcement by the military council that citizens might apply for a license to carry arms, some members of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), those close to the military council, merchants, and administrators in Mon state, applied for a permit to carry weapons.
News-Than Lwin Times
Photo-MRTV