Standing for truth and justice
Last year we aired an interview with Su Thit, the founder of “Spouses of People’s Soldiers.” She spoke about the courageous decision that she and her husband made soon after the coup, to walk away from their life in the Tatmadaw. Although they are now in hiding, she is continuing to do all she can to care for those families who have similarly escaped the Burmese military, such as arranging for vocational training and looking after their needs and safety. Following is an essay that Su Thit wrote, and which has been translated into English. Any small contribution earmarked towards her group will aid in their nonviolent hope to remove yet more soldiers from having to fire a gun.
“My husband was a staff officer (third class officer) in the army. He was attending a training course during February and March. When I asked him what should we do to bring the elected government back into power, he said, ‘All of the military personnel would have to come to the people’s side.’
He said this statement at the beginning of February. So, I told my friends about it. They began enthusiastically posting on social media, telling soldiers and officers from the military to defect to the people’s side. I was also posting and sharing posts about revolution myself. My friends were worried about me and warned me to stop sharing posts. But I was sure I wouldn’t have a clear conscience if I stayed silent in the face of such injustice.
I also urged my husband to take action. I told him how civilians were suffering daily at the hands of the military. He also didn’t like the military’s wrongdoings, but he wasn’t ready for the consequences if he defected. He was worried about the livelihood and safety of our family. After all, becoming a deserter has heavy consequences.
Eventually, when he had to confront his people, his indecision came to an end! He told me that this job didn’t fit him. He was very close with the populace now. He couldn’t be cruel to those who pay for his food and worried about him. He just couldn’t follow the absurd orders of his superiors. He felt bitter toward those that pit him against his own people.
He asked me if I could bear against the upcoming struggles if he decided to defect. I could.
After all, I wanted to stay clear of an organization that had no sympathy for the masses. I don’t want my children and their children to lose face because of us. I don’t want my descendants to feel hatred from other people. We have empathy for everyone so we don’t want to jumble up with others. So, we decided to face whatever comes our way and stand for truth and justice.
Thank you very much,
Su Thitser Zaw.”