The Mon Blood Army, one of the newer Mon revolutionary organizations fighting against military dictatorship, says it has received strong support from young people both inside Myanmar and abroad despite ongoing challenges related to funding and military resources.
To learn more about youth participation in the organization and how it is addressing military and organizational needs, the Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) interviewed Mon Blood Army spokesperson Min Yote Sanon.
Question: What is the current level of youth participation in the Mon Blood Army, which is led by young people?
Answer: Since its formation, the Mon Blood Army has received significant interest and support from young people. Because it is a youth-led organization, many young people inside the country have joined the revolution directly as armed revolutionary force members. At the same time, Mon youths living abroad have been supporting us in various ways, including providing weapons, military resources, and food supplies.
Question: The Mon Blood Army recently held a welcoming ceremony for new recruits. What training and future plans are in place for those joining the organization?
Answer: All young people who join our organization are first required to attend military training. Basic military training is essential before participating in combat operations. This is especially important for those who have no prior military experience.
After completing training, members are assigned responsibilities based on their abilities and strengths, and we provide support to help them carry out their duties effectively.
In addition, we arrange opportunities for members to attend short-term and long-term courses in liberated areas or abroad, depending on needs. Various departments have specialized training programs. For example, in cybersecurity, members receive training on how to use technology safely and securely. Overall, our military training programs are similar to those provided by other revolutionary organizations.
Question: As the number of recruits increases, what is the situation regarding finances, weapons, ammunition, and other military needs?
Answer: As more revolutionary force members join, the need for weapons, ammunition, and financial resources has increased significantly. We are making every effort to address these needs and maintain operations, but there are still many shortages, particularly in funding and military supplies.
Question: How is the Mon Blood Army cooperating politically with other revolutionary organizations?
Answer: We cooperate with other organizations on military activities. Politically, however, we remain independent and are not under the leadership of any particular organization.
Going forward, we plan to continue cooperating with various revolutionary groups in both military and political areas. Our position is that any organization fighting against military dictatorship is considered a partner organization.
Question: The Mon Blood Army is often viewed as prioritizing military activities over political work. How satisfied are you with the organization’s military operations so far?
Answer: We are still in the early stages of building the organization, so our military operations have not yet progressed as far as we would like. One reason is that we still face significant shortages of weapons and ammunition.
During the current rainy season, we have reduced combat operations to some extent. At this time, our priorities are strengthening our military capacity, recruiting personnel, and providing necessary training for our members.
Question: The Mon Blood Army has now existed for around six months. How satisfied are you with the organization’s achievements during this period?
Answer: Within only a few months, we have been able to participate in combat operations and cooperate with allied revolutionary organizations to open frontline battlefields. For that reason, I am very proud of all our members.
Because our organization is made up entirely of young people, we continue to face many weaknesses and challenges. At the same time, the results we have achieved so far are truly encouraging and represent important progress that we can be proud of.
Question: Recently, the military has increased airstrikes against revolutionary bases and civilians across southern Myanmar. What is your view of these actions?
Answer: Yes, we have seen a noticeable increase in aerial bombardments by the military. In my view, these attacks are part of its 100-day plan aimed at pressuring revolutionary groups to surrender.
The military appears to be sending a message that if revolutionary organizations do not surrender, it will intensify its attacks. However, regardless of these threats, no revolutionary organization will surrender.
The military has also been spreading misinformation claiming that certain groups have surrendered or defected. But on the ground, people do not take such claims seriously, and there is very little trust in what the military says.
