Following the military coup of 2021, resistance groups opposing military rule and the junta’s history of human rights abuses and authoritarian governance have emerged across Myanmar.
In Mon State, new armed resistance groups have formed to oppose the junta’s authority, with some gaining significant recognition.
Ye Blu: A Notorious Resistance Group in Mon State
In Mon State, the Ye Blu group is one of the most well-known resistance forces. The group is involved in arrests and executions of informants linked to the military council and frequently carries out attacks on military checkpoints.
Supported by both domestic and international backers, Ye Blu operates as a special operations unit operating under the National Unity Government (NUG). After each operation, the group typically releases videos and photos as a public report.
Ye Blue group detained U Khone Phyu on June 30, accusing him of being an informant for the military. On December 3, a video surfaced showing a Ye Blu leader executing a man. The video depicted the leader killing U Khaung Phyu, a resident of Kondu village in Ye Township, by beheading him while he was still alive.
Human Rights Concerns
“This is a war crime,” stated Mr. David Mathieson, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the execution of informants does not make them legitimate military targets. IHL only permits attacks on combatants, not civilians or informants. This act constitutes a serious violation, highlighting a lack of adherence to IHL in Myanmar and globally.”
Following the release of the video, criticism has intensified, along with growing calls for accountability and action.
“It’s possible to imprison them, isn’t it?
“Detention is an option. But going beyond that to publicize such actions or carry out cruel and inhumane acts that are unacceptable in any society is simply intolerable. If this continues, it will not bode well. When even more brutal acts occur within the region, it tarnishes the image. In my view, it damages the reputation of the revolution,” commented Nai Awe Mon, Director of the Mon State Human Rights Foundation.
The Mon State Human Rights Foundation stated this incident reinforces the need for awareness programs on military ethics for other resistance groups in Mon State.
The National Unity Government (NUG) has announced that the Ye Blu group would be brought to trial and investigated.
U Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson for the NUG Presidential Office, stated, “Our policy at the NUG is to address any violations of the law without bias or discrimination, ensuring that all actions are handled in accordance with the rule of law. In this case, we will conduct the necessary investigations and take appropriate action against those responsible for committing offenses.”
However, the current status of these actions and related follow-up matters has not been clearly addressed.
Rising Challenges for Accountability
As resistance groups continue to grow in number, reports of human rights violations and criminal acts committed by group members and leaders have emerged. These include abuse of subordinates by group leaders, killings, sexual violence against female members, and oppression of local communities.
In October, a gruesome incident occurred in Kone Tha village, Ye Oo Township, Sagaing Region, where two civilian farmers were beheaded. While the killings were initially attributed to tensions between civilians, it has been revealed that members of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) were involved.
The Ye Oo Township People’s Defense Force (PDF) arrested seven suspects, of whom five were confirmed to be PDF members.
Local sources have reported that although the relevant People’s Defense Force (PDF) presented the issue of the murders to the National Unity Government (NUG), no official decision or action has been announced.
A political analyst commented, “In this situation, the rule of law has become just a statement. Although NUG is a government in exile, decisions are made from afar, which presents a challenge. Another issue arises when weapons are involved, as the rule of law is abandoned and killings, torturing, and bullying occur. The NUG itself struggles to control its own forces. Not long ago, while NUG was in the process of issuing an order to execute a person involved in committing a brutal killing in the Anyar [a region in Myanmar’s central Dry Zone], the PDF in the area carried out the death penalty. These actions are dangerous.”
While the NUG controls certain administrative areas, it is acknowledged that they are unable to implement judicial processes effectively on the ground.
Both the NUG and human rights organizations frequently urge military forces to adhere to military law and policies, but observers note that on the ground, only weapon-based control is growing. Observers note the absence of unified command over all revolutionary forces has allowed lawless practices to continue unchecked.
