A Plea to Leave the Military
The following essay, written by Ma Su, is made possible from the team behind Breaking Brainwashed.
As the revolution in Myanmar against the military regime persists, the revolutionaries become more skilled and equipped in their fight. They have made significant gains in various regions such as Kayin, Kayah, Sagaing, Chin, Magway, and Kachin, using guerrilla warfare and land mine ambushes to weaken the army's strength. According to statistics, over 2000 soldiers have died in Karen state alone, and recruitment for the military has dried up. The military, led by power-hungry dictator Min Aung Hlaing, is trying to maintain control with the remaining soldiers and attempting to propagandize that the fallen soldiers died for their country, but in reality, they are being forced to sacrifice their lives for the greed of their leaders.
The families of these fallen soldiers are struggling in their absence, with some widows being forced to take on odd jobs to make ends meet and being treated poorly by the military. Some soldiers even take advantage of these women, exploiting them and causing them to lose their dignity. The political turmoil also disrupts the education and future prospects of their children.
Min Aung Hlaing is callously using his soldiers as expendable resources, showing a complete lack of concern for their lives and well-being. There is overwhelming evidence of the military committing atrocities, including killing civilians and raping women. It is crucial for these women, who are often the wives of soldiers, to make informed and responsible decisions rather than blindly following their husbands. They must recognize that, despite their husbands' perceived power, they are ultimately powerless in the face of their own wisdom and agency. By joining the Civil Disobedience Movement, they can not only save the lives of their husbands but also secure a better future for their families. It is not too late to avoid regret and to choose the path of justice and righteousness. May the revolution triumph.