Nyaunglaybin, 6 October
Myanmar’s military council began to rely on the police force in fighting against the resistance forces during the two and a half years of the coup, said sources close to the police force.
When the military strength weakens, the junta sends policemen to the front lines along with the soldiers for ground battles, and policemen are forced to change into military uniforms and serve for security reasons, according to the police.
In September, more than 40 soldiers were killed in a battle that broke out between the combined resistance forces and the junta army near Pazun Myaung village in Bago Region’s Nyaunglaybin District.
Among the dead are not only soldiers but also policemen and firefighters, said the revolutionary forces and the CDM police community.
According to a report released on September 7 by the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG), almost 30,000 enemy troops were killed on the battlefield throughout the two years of the People’s Resistance War.
In an effort to strengthen the military power, the military council is recruiting militiamen, border guard forces, veterans, and underage recruits, including Pyu Saw Htee, as well as attempting to use soldiers’ wives and non-CDM staff in the fight, said the report.
On March 25, the military council amended the Myanmar Police Force Law and stipulated that policemen must serve for the rule of law and community peace, as well as national defense and security if necessary.
Following the enactment of the new law, police forces were ordered to wear military uniforms alongside troops and utilize them on the front lines, causing anger within the police force, according to a police officer who did not want to be named.
“It is not appropriate to use the police, which is responsible for public security, in the attack, and sending incompetent soldiers to other departments leads to the destruction of all sectors,” Ko Aye Min Tun said.
On the other hand, police stations and police patrols in various townships are frequently attacked, so policemen are not kept in one place for long and are moved to unstable areas, he added.
Amid pressure from the military council, the police were no longer willing to continue serving, deserting the police force and joining the Civil Disobedient Movement (CDM).
According to the NUG, more than 10,500 policemen have joined the People’s embrace since the military coup, some of whom are now serving as members of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF).
News: Than Lwin Times
Photo: AFP
Thanlwintimes