[Tee tiong huat]

It wil never works for the junta military to train, arm and supply their military to counter-fight rebels. The rebels forces hv many young volunteers who are hard-trained in jungle to fight the junta military. They hv strong perseverance and unity to fiercely attack the junta military who hv killed their family members. They are strong rebels forces to aim their winning goals.

Bamar People's Liberation Army (BPLA), led by onetime anti-war poet Maung Saungkha, is a prominent force in Myanmar's resistance movement. Trainees' daily routine starts at 4am and ends at 9pm., with Sunday being their only day off. They endure hours of intense training without being allowed a single drop of water during the sessions. Representing Myanmar's Bamar ethnic majority, the BPLA was formed in April 2021 to fight junta after it topple elected govt in Feb of that year. Since October, group has been a key player in Operation 1027, a joint offensive w/other rebel militias has significantly weakened the military. Myanmar independence won from Britain in 1948, has dominated by its military. A brief spell of civilian rule ended with the 2021 coup that toppled the govt of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

To joining under BPLA's, trainee home in jungle are makeshift tents, accommodating around 20 to 30 each, sleeping mats are laid out a few inches apart floor. Maintaining a tidy space is essential, so uniforms, toiletries & study books are neatly arranged on their makeshift beds. BPLA's basic training is renowned for harshness & strict discipline, training spans 3-mths, pushing recruits to their physical & mental limits, arrival at training camp, personal belongings, like phones, are confiscated & returned after completion of training, 1-trainee, an 18-yr woman about 1.5m tall, shows wear from gruelling regimen. She has dark circles under her eyes, hair is cut almost to the scalp, her skin is sunburned from long hours spent outdoors exhaustion, she carries a hint of resilience and determination, her possessions in a stuffed toy brought with her. When asked about it, she smiled said: "One of the trainers kept it for me & she will give it back after the training."

LESSONS IN POLITICS. In addition to military training, BPLA recruits undergo political education. morning drills, short break for rest to review recent political lessons, the dinner where everyone gathers bamboo-constructed assembly hall. BPLA flag hangs above whiteboard. Powered by generator, fluorescent lights illuminate room, where political classes take place. Senior officer from BPLA's start principles, govt structure, federalism & even gender equality. His words echo through makeshift hall.

"I know you're exhausted," he told them, "but a soldier's duty transcends fatigue. One night, as lesson progresses, a chilling silence descends upon camp. A junta scout drone has detected presence, the generator shuts down, plunging the camp into darkness. Everyone freezes, waiting for drone to disappear, following morning, the senior Maung Saungkha gathers his officers to reinforce emergency procedures in case of a fighter jet attack if roar of jets is a familiar threat in jungle, but vigilance remains crucial.

Ma Chel, a 25 woman deputy head of recruitment screening for BPLA, recalls her journey - civilian to soldier after completing basic training, she was proud to become an instructor. My trainer told me that if soldier goes to frontline w/ one bullet, there's one bullet fired. But if 100 trainee here are 100 bullets,” Ma Chel said. "This made me feel proud and motivated."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/mya...ta-4562721