Myanmar’s National Unity Government’s [NUG] Defense Minister Yee Mon said that his ministry will open six diverse fronts, namely a political front, international diplomatic front, military front, administrative front, business front and mental welfare front, in its fight against the Myanmar junta.
He made the remark in a video interview with BBC Burmese, marking the second anniversary of establishment of the People’s Defense Force [PDF], the armed wing of NUG.
The PDF was formed by the NUG on 5 May 2021 in response to the military coup on 1 February 2021.
“In accordance with our one-year plan [to eradicate the junta], we will open six fronts. Political front, international front [diplomatic front], military, administrative, business and mental warfare. All six fronts are expected to gain momentum in a balanced manner and we hope to gain advantages on all fronts. This year will turn out to be a decisive year in order to gain the upper hand,” Yee Mon told BBC Burmese.
He added that Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs) collaborated with PDFs in the launch of the war of resistance, bringing their military expertise and leadership to the forefront.
“As soon as the war of resistance was launched, ethnic armed groups worked together with PDFs. They have a lot of experience in the military, so ethnic groups and the leaders have actually led the implementation of the military,” he said.
“Now the PDF has become an established army. On the other hand, we are able to develop the ability to cooperate with all ethnic groups, which can be said to be very extraordinary throughout history,” he said.
“When the enemy's physical and mental strength is declining, we will not retreat. The revolution is only going upwards. I also want to say that we will continue (on the path to) victory one step at a time.”
According to an official statement of the NUG’s Ministry of Defense, there are about 300 NUG’s PDF battalions and columns spread throughout Myanmar.
"Two years ago, the People's Revolution began with the Phase of Strategic Defence, and it has now progressed to the Phase of Strategic Equilibrium. To enter the final phase, the Phase of Strategic Counter-Offensive, the ministry is working to acquire the necessary funds and strategic arms and equipment," said the statement.
“Over the past two years, our fighting forces have grown in numbers and strength, surpassing that of the enemy,” said the statement.
Recently, the spokesperson of NUG’s Prime Minister’s Office, Nay Phone Latt said that the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the NUG, and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), formed by nominated members of parliament and politically influential individuals after the coup, are working hard to establish a federal state and prepare for the reform of the security sector.
He said that they will make efforts to replace the military junta’s army with a federal army and will reform the security sector of future Myanmar, in cooperation with ethnic groups.
