“If Myanmar civilian sacrifices continue, minority rebels will not be left behind.”

General Yot Shun, Chairman of the RCSS of the Shan rebels (material photo)

picture explanationGeneral Yot Shun, Chairman of the RCSS of the Shan rebels (material photo)

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The Shaan Restoration Council (RCSS), one of Myanmar’s major minority armed rebels, said that if the military continues to kill civilians, the armed rebels will not remain silent.

There are observations that the possibility of a joint armed struggle in cooperation with the Myanmar democratic camp is increasing.

Currently, the democratic camp of Myanmar is promoting a’federal coalition’ with armed rebels of minority ethnic groups to counter the indiscriminate massacre of the Myanmar army.

According to the Reuters news agency on the 27th, General Yot Shun, the chairman of the RCSS, criticized in an interview with the news agency that “‘Myanmar Army’s Day’ is not a military day, but is like the day of killing the people.”

This is a criticism of Supreme Commander Min Aung Hlaing, who caused the coup, for saying that the military’s mission is to protect the people on Myanmar Army Day.

“If they keep shooting at the protesters and harassing people, I think all ethnic groups will sit still and do nothing,” said Yot Suk.

The RCSS, which is operating near the Thai border, is one of 10 ethnic minority armed groups that have criticized the military and expressed their willingness to support the protesters after the coup on the 1st of last month.

He also expressed his support for the protesters’ demand for the formation of minority shaman groups and federal troops, the news agency said.

“Minority armed groups are now facing the same enemy,” he said. “We need to join hands and deal with those who make people sick. We need to be together.”

Karen Peoples Federation (KNU) rebels

picture explanationKaren Peoples Federation (KNU) rebels

Meanwhile, local media Irrawaddy reported that the Karen People’s Union (KNU), also one of the major rebels, issued a strong warning message to the Myanmar military.

In reply to an invitation from the military to negotiate the armistice last week, KNU Chairman Pado So Mutu Sai Po said, “It is entirely unacceptable for the military and police to intimidate, attack, and kill peace protesters by acting only in the military.”

He pointed out, “These things have damaged the reputation of our country and caused great pain and suffering to the people.”

Sai Po said, “KNU urges the military to withdraw the military police deployed to suppress the protesters, to withdraw the troops from the armistice discussion area, and to stop actively intervening in politics.”

KNU also urged the military to accept mediation by the international community and to transfer power to the’National Unified Government’ proposed by the former civilian government before last year’s general election.

In addition, the military, including state adviser Aung San Suu Kyi and President Yun Min, urged the immediate release of those who are detained after the coup.

Sai Po said, “Until the military fulfills these demands that contain the wishes of the people of Myanmar, the KNU will not meet with Supreme Commander Hlaing,” Irrawaddy said.

Armed Karen rebels escort protesters condemning the coup.

picture explanationArmed Karen rebels escort protesters condemning the coup.

The media analyzed that the pressure from KNU, Myanmar’s oldest and most famous rebel organization, would put Commander Hlaing into a corner.

KNU had maintained friendly relations with the military until the coup broke out, Irrawaddy said.

According to Reuters, about a quarter of Myanmar’s 54 million people live in areas where at least one ethnic minority armed group is claiming jurisdiction.

In addition, more than 20 ethnic minority armed groups control a vast area.

[연합뉴스]

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