The Mon Liberation Army (MLA) has issued a statement calling for the consolidation of all Mon people which will lead to the growth of Mon power.
“In the current political situation, the Mon people are weak. That’s why all Mon people must unite in order for our nation to grow, alongside others. Our army is primarily focused on combat. We have ample weapons provided by our allies, and we can equip every Mon youth who enlists. Therefore, I encourage you to join the army if you aspire to be as strong as others. If you remain dormant during this critical period, you may not have this opportunity in the future. My message to the youth is that they should not only seek enjoyment at festivals but also prioritize our national cause,” siad Banyar Min Kan Si, from the MLA Alliance Relations Department.
The Mon Liberation Army (MLA) was established in September 2022 with the aim of eliminating chauvinism, combating military dictatorship, and establishing a federal democratic system. Additionally, it strives to protect the lives and property of the Mon people.
Members of the Mon Liberation Army (MLA) have received military training from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which operates in northern Shan State, and is allied with the New Mon State Party (Anti-military Dictatorship) NMSP-AD.
According to a statement by the MLA, the New Mon State Party (Anti-military Dictatorship) NMSP-AD and the Mon Liberation Army (MLA) have not yet discussed how to cooperate.
“If you’re truly committed to opposing the military dictator, irrespective of ethnicity, I urge you to enlist in our army. We consider all who stand against the dictatorship as our allies. Should the New Mon State Party (Anti-military Dictatorship) NMSP-AD actively confront the military regime, we readily embrace them as comrades. Even more advantageous would be if the entire New Mon State Party dismantled the NCA and directly confronted the dictator. We eagerly anticipate such unified action,” Banyar Min Kan Si added.
An individual from the Mon community expressed to the Independent Mon News Agency that in their struggle against the military dictator, the focus should not be on the quantity of troops, but rather on ensuring adequate provisions of food and weapons.
“Only the MLAs will truly fight, and if there’s a military movement, there’s no need to worry about the army’s forces. All Mon youth will join the MLA’s army, as many as are needed. Don’t worry about the troops; just focus on gathering food and weapons for equipping. The youth will follow the MLA,” said a Mon citizen from Mawlamyine township.
After the military coup, at least 5 new Mon armed forces in Mon State, such as the Mon State Defense Forces (MSDF), the Mon State Revolutionary Forces (MSRF), the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), and the Mon State-based Revolutionary Organization (MSRO), emerged, and they are all fighting against the military dictator.
