The New Mon State Party – Anti-Dictatorship (NMSP-AD) has rejected claims by Myanmar’s military junta that eight resistance fighters, including one of its members, surrendered to military authorities at the Southeastern Regional Military Command, saying the announcement is merely propaganda and that no such surrenders occurred on the ground.
The military junta announced on June 3 that a total of eight members from the NMSP-AD, the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) had entered the “legal fold” and surrendered.
According to the junta, a ceremony to hand over the individuals to their parents or guardians was held on the morning of June 3 at Aung San Hall within the Southeastern Regional Military Command in Mawlamyine. The event was reportedly attended by the Mon State Chief Minister, the regional commander, and other officials.
The junta stated that the eight individuals included one person each from Kyarinnseikyi, Kyaikmaraw, Ye, Hpa-An, Shan State, Yangon Region, Mandalay Region, and Ayeyarwady Region.
However, NMSP-AD spokesperson Nai Kaung Saga said there had been no defections or surrenders among their members and that nearby resistance groups were also unaware of any such cases. He described the announcement as a psychological warfare tactic aimed at weakening the morale of resistance forces.
“None of our comrades have surrendered to them (the military junta). This is simply propaganda and the dissemination of false information. The main objective is to undermine the morale of the resistance movement through psychological operations. We have not heard of members from other groups surrendering either,” Nai Kaung Saga said.
The junta also claimed that the eight individuals received financial rewards based on the weapons and ammunition they brought with them, as well as gifts and other incentives.
In addition, the military authorities asserted that many more resistance fighters were interested in surrendering and returning to the legal fold.
A PDF fighter interviewed regarding the junta’s claims dismissed the narrative.
“Most resistance fighters have spent years together and developed deep bonds. We have faced life and death side by side. There is no desire to surrender to them (the junta). Returning home is no longer an option for many of us. In my case, even my parents are no longer alive,” the fighter said.
Since launching its “100-Day Plan,” the military junta has intensified operations in areas with strong resistance activity, including ground offensives and airstrikes, placing increasing pressure on resistance groups.
At the same time, resistance organizations say the junta has expanded its use of psychological warfare tactics aimed at discouraging and demoralizing fighters. Resistance groups have repeatedly warned their members and supporters to remain cautious of what they describe as propaganda and disinformation campaigns issued by the military authorities.
