Beginning to See the Light

March 12, Independent Mon News Agency
Four Burmese soldiers defect to KNU - Mon Son

Discrimination, lack of promotion opportunities and employment benefits in
the Burmese Army has caused desertions and defection to the Karen National
Union (KNU), said four deserters.

Four Burmese soldiers deserted the Infantry Battalion IB No. 410 because
they were discriminated against in the military camp, said the soldiers.
They could not tolerate the maltreatment so they escaped from the military
camp, they added.

The four soldiers arrived at KNU brigade No. 6 wearing Burmese Army
uniforms on February 26, said KNU Captain Htat Nay in Three Pagoda Pass
(TPP).

According to the Captain, the defectors are from IB No. 410, Zaw Min Tun
(27) military identity 309279 with a MA4+79, Corporal Soe Tie Ha (24) MI
81887 with a MA1, Corporal Zan Tun Hlang (24) MI 127495 with a MA3 and
solider Tein Min Hike (25) MI 321642 with a MAG-420 and a M79.

Corporal Soe Tie Ha was arrested and recruited by the army when he was
only 14 years old and has been a soldier for 10 years.

"I think the soldiers look honest, they don't seem suspicious to us. Also,
we gave 30,000 kyat to each solider because they joined the KNU," KNU Army
Captain Htat Nay said.

The Captain said that the soldiers joined the KNU and wanted to fight the
Burmese military government. Nine Burmese soldiers defected to the KNU
last year while five soldiers joined this year.

"Many Burmese soldiers have been joining the KNU; however they have not
betrayed the KNU," he added.