Myanmar Spring Chronicle – December 6 Perspective
MoeMaKa, December 7, 2024
The Tradition of Brutal Retributive Killings
Recently, videos have emerged of brutal killings carried out by local PDF (People’s Defense Force) groups fighting against the military regime and armed battalions under the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of the NUG government. These videos depict beheading and dismembering of People’s Militias leaders and members.
One such incident occurred along the Naypyidaw-Kanpyar road, where members of the Bago PDF allegedly captured and killed a militia leader named Min Min, beheading him and separating his body. A second incident involved an SOF (Special Operations Force) group under the NUG’s MOD. Their leader, known as Yae Belu, reportedly captured and interrogated U Zan Min (alias Khaw Phyu), a militia member from Kundu village in Yae Township, before killing him with a machete and dismembering his body. Videos of this incident circulated on Telegram channels, prompting the MOD to issue a statement that it would form a tribunal to investigate and take action.
Recently, similar news emerged from Budalin Township in Sagaing Region, where six civilians were allegedly executed by the military council’s forces. Such brutal acts have occurred previously, such as when PDF leader Bo Sin Yain in Myingyan District was killed by the military council’s Belu forces, who then beheaded and removed his body.
These cruel killings, reportedly carried out to instill fear among the locals and the opposing defense forces, were perpetrated both by military council forces and certain factions of the People’s Militias, known as “Pyu Saw Htee.” At the same time, incidents of retaliatory torture and executions allegedly committed by resistance forces have also come to light. The recent incidents by the Bago PDF and Yae Belu’s group occurred a few days and approximately 5–6 months ago, respectively. The video files surfaced after a phone containing them was seized during a battle by the military council, exposing the events publicly.
These revelations imply that many similar incidents may have remained hidden, with the emergence of video evidence triggering calls for investigation. Under MOD announcements regarding disciplinary actions and tribunals, opinions have been split. Some argue that these acts of retribution are justified in response to atrocities by the other side, while others criticize disciplinary measures, claiming they weaken the revolution.
Others stress the importance for revolutionary forces to abide by international laws of war and avoid human rights violations and war crimes. Some believe that retaliating with such brutal killings, like those committed by the military regime and Pyu Saw Htee forces, is counterproductive.
To prevent such cruel acts of retributive killings against opposing armed members, People’s Militias, or suspected informants, resistance groups must enforce strict military discipline. Without such measures, even if incidents like these do not surface publicly, proper accountability would remain lacking. This situation raises questions about whether MOD-aligned forces maintain an effective “Change of Command” and how non-MOD-aligned armed groups will be controlled or held accountable.
The National Unity Government (NUG) and its Ministry of Defense have the responsibility to hold its battalions accountable for any violations. Additionally, with the existence of a Ministry of Human Rights alongside the Ministry of Justice, these institutions must bear responsibility for addressing such incidents.
Without legal mechanisms to punish human rights violations and war crimes, the dignity of the revolution could be undermined, weakening its aim of fighting for democracy, human rights, and equality.