The Devil You Know
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Why did Jay leave a comfortable life in Australia to join the resistance against the Burmese military in Karenni state? “I would just say it's the crimes against the children,” Jay gives as a way of a response. “I have a child myself, and we're extremely lucky to be in a Western country where my child can grow up relatively safe. Seeing the reels and videos about children being murdered pulled on my heartstrings, big time. That was the driving factor of me wanting to do something.”
Jay’s involvement in Myanmar resistance stems from a profound sense of humanity and duty. Originally trained in combat trauma in the Australian Army, Jay had minimal exposure to Southeast Asia prior to his mission in Myanmar, although had been involved in some humanitarian missions elsewhere in Asia. His path to becoming deeply involved with Myanmar’s struggle began with a chance encounter in social media, where he was exposed to the atrocities committed by the military junta. Seeing images of children murdered and reading about families torn apart deeply resonated with him, especially as a parent himself. This emotional connection fueled his commitment to not only learn about the crisis, but to take active measures to support the resistance.
Jay’s initial connection with the Burmese resistance developed through interactions with the Karenni diaspora in Australia, through local charity events and organizations. Jay described being profoundly moved by their resilience, kindness, and openness, traits reminiscent of communities he had encountered in Papua New Guinea during his earlier humanitarian work. The Karenni community welcomed him and his expertise, and eventually they discussed the possibility of him proceeding on the ground in Myanmar to help where it was most needed.
Jay smuggled himself into Karenni State via a journey fraught with logistical, physical, and emotional challenges. He had prepared for the trip by as best he could; while his base level of fitness was still more than adequate from his army days, he undertook rigorous physical training in order to be able to navigate the unforgiving hilly terrain.
In the end, however, he realized that nothing could have fully prepared him for the stark realities of the conflict zone; again, although he had army training in combat trauma, he had never actually been in a combat situation. Right away, Jay witnessed the devastating consequences of the junta’s military tactics; almost minutes after he crossed the border his group was hit with mortar fire! Moreover, the resistance forces he joined, though determined and resourceful, were woefully under-equipped. The medical facilities consisted of little more than a hut with an oxygen tank. Despite this, local medics demonstrated remarkable resilience, often improvising solutions with minimal resources. One of the first experiences that struck Jay was the sight of a makeshift clinic and the immense pride of a head medic in its limited supplies—a stark contrast to what Jay was accustomed to in Australia.
In chillingly descriptive language, Jay describes harrowing moments amid combat and the carnage. He was present during multiple crises, including one where a vehicle carrying several Karenni fighters struck an anti-tank mine. The explosion killed two instantly, and severely injured others; one victim’s leg had been almost entirely severed. Jay and the local medics worked tirelessly to stabilize the wounded, often with inadequate instruments and supplies. But despite the team’s best efforts, one soldier succumbed to his injuries during transport.
Another incident that profoundly impacted Jay involved the discovery of civilians, including children, massacred and partially burned by junta forces. Jay described the scene in detail: a young boy in a Spider-Man shirt lay among half burned victims, their bodies piled together and lit on fire in a gruesome attempt to destroy evidence of their atrocities. This senseless violence reinforced to Jay the brutality of the junta and the need for greater international awareness and intervention.
Throughout his time in Myanmar, Jay observed the unique challenges and dynamics of the Karenni resistance, and his interactions with the Karenni people, who continued to resist despite overwhelming odds, solidified his admiration for their courage and determination. But while local forces displayed remarkable professionalism and adherence to ethical standards, their lack of modern weaponry and external support posed significant challenges. The junta’s use of advanced Russian-supplied weaponry, including jets and artillery, highlighted the asymmetry of the conflict. Yet despite these obstacles, the Karenni forces managed to maintain control over much of their territory.
Jay also highlights the impact of the conflict on the Karenni civilian population, particularly in refugee camps. He visited one compound that housed over 20,000 displaced individuals in appalling living conditions. Yet, again, despite all the challenges, he continued to find the Karenni community’s spirit and hope unbroken, which he attributes to their resilience, faith and cultural strength. Jay recounts stories of young people striving for an education against all odds, as well as a school principal who had already rebuilt his school twice after it was bombed by the junta, and was now working on a third.
Even the funeral ceremonies Jay attended further illustrated the Karenni community’s spirit. One particularly large event honored three individuals killed by the mine explosion he described earlier. The tragedy of their deaths was further compounded by the absence of some family members, unable to attend due to safety concerns and logistical barriers. Yet despite limited resources, the Karenni government ensured the event was dignified, ensuring there was food, music, and ceremonial tributes.
Jay’s experiences in Myanmar profoundly affected him, both personally and professionally. Witnessing firsthand the military’s atrocities and resilience of the Karenni people reinforced his commitment to their cause. Upon returning to Australia, he began planning ways to provide long-term support, including establishing a charity to supply medical equipment to the resistance, as well as helping with education projects for refugee children. Jay emphasizes the importance of simple but life-saving supplies, such as tourniquets, which were critically lacking during his time in Myanmar.
Beyond material support, Jay stresses the need for increased awareness about the Myanmar crisis. He laments the lack of global attention compared to other conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. He describes his efforts to educate others, from his local church group to broader community networks, about the realities faced by the Karenni people. Jay believes that even small contributions, whether financial donations or sharing information, can make a significant difference.
In reflecting on his experiences, Jay expresses a deep sense of gratitude for his own circumstances and a renewed commitment to using his privileges to help others. “The Karenni people and the Burmese people are just strong,” he says. “They don’t get paid at all; they’re only in it for freedom. A lot of them have had families killed at the hands of Burmese soldiers, but their community takes care of them. This sense of unity is huge. You can just see it in their way of life.”
If you would like to listen to past episodes from our archive that touch upon similar themes, we suggest the following:
· Thomas van Linge discusses how his work as a journalist and conflict researcher led him to map resistance territories in Myanmar, capturing the complex dynamics of a fluid and fragmented conflict. His detailed analysis of the evolving armed rebellion aligns with themes of resilience and the global responsibility to highlight lesser-covered conflicts.
· Azad addresses his time with Chin State resistance groups, noting how it deepened his understanding of the logistical and psychological challenges posed by mountainous warfare against an entrenched junta. His boots-on-the-ground experiences emphasize the ingenuity and determination of local populations to maintain resistance, resonating with the shared narrative of courage under dire circumstances.
· Lorcan Lovett discusses his years in Myanmar documenting cultural and political transitions, which underscore the importance of humor and human connection amid a backdrop of escalating repression. His reflection on the pre- and post-coup journalism landscape reveals the evolving struggle to preserve stories of resistance and identity, mirroring broader themes of resilience and adaptation.
· Meredith Bunn talks about her humanitarian work while also addressing the broader resistance against the junta. She highlights the interconnected challenges of countering systematic repression and supporting displaced populations, whose testimonies illuminate the human cost of resistance and the solidarity required to endure and fight back against oppression.
· Zach Abuza explains that Myanmar's asymmetric warfare highlights the resilience of pro-democracy forces and their focus on hollowing out the junta's military infrastructure rather than achieving outright military victory. His insights underline the strategic importance of maintaining moral legitimacy and cohesion amidst a prolonged struggle for liberation.