Saw Min Nyo, a student of Mawlamyine University
We contacted Saw Nyo Min, a student at Mawlamyine University, was involved in a student-led strike in Mawlamyine to protest against the military dictatorship, was arrested and detained unjustly and we interviewed about his experience in military training to take up arms against the regime.
Q: Why are you considering attending military training?
A: I have been considering attending military training for a long time. At the beginning of the coup, we, the students gathered and chose ways to oppose the coup Military Council. At that time, most people were forced to choose non-violent protests, hence we chose those ways. Later, as the violence of the coup Military Council escalated more, I began to think more about military training.
Q: Tell us about leaving the classroom and joining the military training?
A: Leaving the classroom is simple. We can never continue to study under the military council, as the final decision of our Student Conference: "We will never study under the Military Dictatorship". And since I was once arrested, it has become a little difficult to continue my activities in the urban area. In the beginning, there was an unnoticeable movement. Later it didn't work out. Thus, I went to military training to take up arms against the Military Council.
Q: What do you have to prepare for military training?
A: A lot of preparation is needed. But the main thing is the mind. If you can think it over and make a decision, the rest little thing will be fine. You need to not over fastidious. We are coming for the revolution and everything will be different with living at home. We live poor and eat poorly, like that. As I said before, it depends on the purpose of the coming. Once you have your goal in mind, you can overcome the remaining obstacles. Therefore, the main preparation is the mind.
Q: How many trainees are with you? Are there any women?
A: At the batch of my training, there were almost a hundred trainees. About 10% are women.
Q: What would be the most difficult part of military training for you?
A: The most difficult part is fitness. No matter what sports I did in the past, it is different from military training. As a student who should be in the classroom, I need to be physically fit for this training. However, during the training period, I struggled and practiced.
Q: How determined are you to oppose the military regime with the knowledge you learned?
A: With this knowledge, we will fight against the military regime to the end. We will not return to the classroom until we are victorious.
Q: What do you want to say to the people who are opposing the regime in various ways?
A: I would like to say to the people who are protesting to the Military Regime in various ways, please continue to stand firm. Participate in this revolution as much as you can. The most important thing is not to get cold-blooded. Everyone has a responsibility to make this revolution a success for our fallen brothers and sisters. Every life paid for has value. Fight for them together with us.
Q: What do you want to say to the young people who are taking training in different places?
A: I want to tell the comrades who are taking training in different places to try hard. There are people who are waiting and hoping for comrades. Comrades, what we are doing is not for the benefit of one party or one person. We are working for the future of the new generation. During the training, there will be difficulties. Face it with determination. The way ahead will be difficult, it will be rough. Be prepared for this and keep practicing it. Do not give up. We have to keep an eye on the goal that is not far away. The revolution must succeed.
A: Thank you.
