104 Members from Ethnic Armed Organizations and PDF Groups understanding the State’s and Tatmadaw’s Peace Process Return to Legal Fold, together with Arms and Ammunition

In line with the Tatmadaw’s continuous emphasis on ensuring national peace and stability, it has successfully regained full control of the areas which were temporarily controlled by terrorist insurgents. As a result, local residents have shown increasing trust and reliance on the Tatmadaw, and enthusiastically support them. They are also cooperating with the Tatmadaw. Similarly, the terrorists come under the peace processes and enter the legal fold.  In this regard:

• On 12 August, a total of 104 members:90 men and two women from the DPLA group, three men from the NH PDF group, one male member of KIA group, one male member from the Kyaukse PDF group, one male member from the Mongok PDF group, and one male member from the Mandalay PDF group in Nawngkhio Township of Shan State (North); two male members from the DPLA group in Pindaya Township; one male member from the TNLA group in Namhsan Township; one male member from the TNLA group in Momeik Township; and one female member from the Mandalay PDF group in Singu Township of Mandalay Region along with one Type-81 rifle, one magazine, 30 rounds its bullet, one Type-82 rifle, two magazines, 210 rounds of its bullet, one MA-3 rifle, one magazine, 10 rounds of its bullet, and other 10 assorted grenades abandoned the armed revolt and returned to the legal fold at the local military training depot in PyinOoLwin Station under Central Command.This was due to their desire to live peacefully within the law and their trust in the Tatmadaw's peace initiatives.
• The officials presented cash rewards of K5 million per rifle for three rifles (totalling K15 million), K300,000 per grenade for 12 (totalling K3.6 million)making a total of K18.6 million, along with other supplies, to those who returned to the legal fold.

According toinitial confessions from a woman who returned to the legal fold,

• She was arrested and her family was threatened and put under pressure because her uncle is a Tatmadaw man. The results forced her to join the PDF terrorist group.
• During the terrorist group, the senior terrorist members forced them to sell lottery tickets under various titles aiming to raise funds for their group.But, they misused the money obtained from selling the tickets for their own personal benefit without any lottery drawing.
• During their stay in terrorist group, they faced poor conditions of food and accommodation and could not accept the actions that the senior terrorist members misused hard-earned money of people for their own benefits. As a result, they decided to return to the legal fold under Tatmadaw.

According to initial confessions from a man who returned to the legal fold,

• The TNLA group members came to their village and forcibly took them away, threatening to burn down their houses if they refused to join. The event caused them to join the terrorist group for the sake of their families.
• While attending the terrorist training, the older ones who could not keep up with the harsh exercises were subjected to various forms of abuse and mistreatment and they were threatened stating that the senior terrorist members had the right to kill them.
• The comrades who wish to return to school and those who want to live again with their families, after returning to the legal fold under Tatmadaw, they have been allowed to live on their own accords. Therefore, the individuals who have already returned to the legal fold said that they would like to invite others to decide to return to the legal fold perceiving their mistakes and knowing the rights.

The following are the individuals from EAOs and PDF groups who returned to the legal fold:

• Between 16 July and 12August, a total of 249 individuals:eight TNLA members, 145 DPLA members, 67 MDY-PDF members, six Ywangan PDF members, five PDF members, seven KIA group members, four KPF group members, three NH PDF group members, one Kayukse PDF member, one Mogok PDF member, and two Mandalay PDF members, along with 18 assorted arms, 1,790 rounds, 17 magazines and 17 grenades.
• From 2021 to 12 August 2025, 914 men and 186 women from PDF group, totalling 1,100 individuals.

There are still individuals who wish to return to the legal framework. Therefore, those wishing to return to the legal fold should contact their nearest district, township administration bodies, military outposts and police stations as soon as possible. They will be welcomed and provided with necessary assistance. Cash rewards will be given for weapons/ammunition, it is reported.

Source: MWD (13-8-2025)

• On 12 August, a total of 104 members: 94 men members form the DPLA group, threemembers from the NH PDF group, onefrom the KIA group, onefrom the Kyaukse PDF group, one from the Mogok PDF group, two from the Mandalay PDF group, two from the TNLA group along with three assorted rifles, four magazines, 250 rounds of bullet and 12 grenades abandoned the armed revolt and returned to the legal fold at the local military training depot in PyinOoLwin Station under Central Command. This was due to their desire to live peacefully within the law and their trust in the Tatmadaw's peace initiatives.
• From 2021 to 12 August 2025, 914 men and 186 women from PDF group, totalling 1,100 individuals, who returned to the legal fold.
• There are still individuals who wish to return to the legal framework. Therefore, those wishing to return to the legal fold should contact their nearest district, township administration bodies, military outposts and police stations as soon as possible. They will be welcomed and provided with necessary assistance.