"Arr! The Burmese be lettin' go o' their runaway police 'n soldiers, claimin' a lack o' hands on deck, mateys!"
2023-12-07
Arr, word be arrivin' that Burma's scurvy military scallywags have set their desertin' pollywogs and landlubber soldiers free! They be facein' a mighty shortage o' crew 'pon their ship as they tussle with rebellious scoundrels.
Burma's military government has decided to release soldiers and police officers who were previously jailed for desertion and absence without leave. This move is aimed at encouraging them to return to active duty and address the apparent shortage of manpower. The military has been facing intense battlefield pressures since seizing power from the elected government earlier this year. The situation escalated further when ethnic minority armed groups launched an offensive in Shan state, near the border with China, leading to widespread fighting across the country. As a result, the military's forces have been spread thin, revealing a clear shortage of troops.The releases took place on National Victory Day, a traditional occasion for mass prisoner releases. Many police officers, convicted of offenses including desertion and absence without leave, were released. Similarly, convicted soldiers and police who were serving up to three-year prison sentences have been granted amnesty since last month. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the ruling military council, stated that around 1,000 soldiers who deserted, went absent without leave, or retired, had expressed their intention to return to service.
Previously, desertion from the army was punishable by a minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment, up to the death penalty, according to Burma's Defense Services Act. The recent actions of the military government indicate a shift in their approach, allowing those who wish to serve again to return without facing severe punishment.
Various armed groups, such as the Arakan Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, have claimed victories against the military, including the seizure of military posts and border crossing gates. The National Unity Government, a major opposition group, reported over 14,000 defections from the military since the military coup. However, these claims have not been independently verified by The Associated Press.