An interview with a female who is carrying out revolution in Karenni State
October 4th, 2021
Sai Phone Min Thant who came to the Karenni State via Mandalay to root out the military regime recently sacrificed his life in the fighting with the military council’s troops on September 20th. The Kantaryawaddy Time interviewed a female revolutionist who fights against the military council together with Sai Phone Min Thant who led the anti-coup protests in Mandalay. She is also a designer. She has decided to revolutionize the military dictatorship by taking up arms.
Q: Can you recall the incident on September 20th.
A: On September 20th, we went to the frontline to help our colleagues. The military council’s troops were entering a house on the way. We first got fired. The military council’s troops fired shots at the vehicle. The vehicle was burnt down. We shot them back after withdrawal. This was an encounter. Two youths including Ko Sai Phone Min Thant were killed and four others injured in the fighting. Two youths got minor injuries.
Q: How long does fighting last?
A: We started to go at 8 am. Fighting took place at around 10 am when we arrived there. I think, fighting came to an end at around 2 pm. It took around three to four hours. There was the persistent firing of heavy weapons.
Q: How many of your colleagues died in the fighting?
A: The first one killed in the fighting is Ko Tu Yal. He got wounded in his leg while in the vehicle. Two others helped him to flee to a safer place. Artillery shells fell at the back of them when they ran. Ko Tu Yal safeguarded two others by covering his body. He got a big wound and gunshot wounds on his back. He died on the spot after being hit by an artillery shell. Ko Sai Phone Min Thant ran together with me. We ran in three groups. He was also killed by an artillery shell while protecting me.
Q: Did you recover the bodies of two youths?
A: We recovered the dead body of Ko Tu. On September 20th, our group had two people. I am the only female in the group. I and Ko Sai Phone Min Thant ran together. It was difficult for me to recover the dead body. Only in the next morning, we arrived back in the camp. The rest could carry the dead body of Ko Tu. I got contact with the rest the next day. As fighting continued, we could not recover the dead body of Ko Sai Phone Min Thant.
Q: How was the funeral service of Ko Sai Phone Min Thant held?
A: We don’t hold the funeral service on a grand scale as we don’t recover the dead body. At present, alms food was offered to monks on the seventh day of his death. His clothes were buried. We have a plan to hold the funeral service after recovering his body.
Q: We know that Ko Sai Phone Min Thant is a student from the Government Technical Institute (Mandalay). Has he completed his course?
A: He has not completed his course yet. He is just 21-year-old. He has just completed his first-year course.
Q: May I know why you come to the Karenni State and take up arms for the fight against the military dictatorship?
Q: I have been planning to take up arms since before. But our arrangement faced a delay due to the COVID-19 and transportation difficulties. We participated in the protests amid many difficulties. It has been a long time since I wanted to join the armed group. The reason why we chose the Karenni State was because Ko Sai Phone Min Thant’s friends were there. We decided to join it as we planned our trip.
Q: How long have you been here?
A: I have been here for just around one month. I have been to Karenni State before. This is the second time.
Q: Are there people who take up arms like you? How many?
A: Many people from the plain area come here to take up arms. There are many people who came from other regions and states.
Q: How many times did Ko Sai Phone Min Thant join the fighting here?
A: This is the first time for him. He died in the first fighting.
Q: How do you feel when your beloved one dies in front of your eyes?
A: Dying from disease is different from dying in a battle. I felt very sad when I saw his death. I was so amazed by his death. I was unable to decide whether it was a dream or the truth. Until now, I am trying very hard to accept it.
Q: What is the attitude of the parents towards your decision to take up arms in the ethinc areas? Did they give the nod to you to do so?
A: My parents did not agree with me. Because I am a female. My parents and relatives bar me as there are a handful of females in my relatives. I come here amid the ban by my parents and relatives as my ambition to achieve this revolution doesn’t come to an end.
Q: How long did it take you to make this decision?
A: We did not take time. We implemented our decision at once. We went to the Karenni State immediately after making necessary preparations.
Q: What are your challenges as you are a female?
A: It is not a challenge. Because we have chosen this path. There are many difficulties. I have to try very hard. I have to climb up and down the mountains.
Q: What did you give up in this revolution?
A: Since we have joined the protests, we have given up everything. My friends get arrested and beaten. They were shot dead. Since then, I have given up everything. My friends and beloved ones are in jail. And my colleagues died in front of me.
Q: What is the major impulsion for you to take up arms in Karenni State?
A: The major impulsion is the acts done by (the military). The military council’s troops attack and kill the peaceful protestors. We staged anti-coup protests amid frequent brutal crackdowns. I choose the Karenni State as we like it. Ko Sai Phone Min Thant also favoured this region. I decided to take up arms as I felt annoyed with the bullies and tortures of the unarmed people by the armed people.
Q: With which expectation did you decide to take up arms?
A: The reason is I have decided to take up arms. I have no expectations. I decided to take up arms with an ambition that we shall achieve this revolution and can live peacefully.
Q: Will you continue to revolutionize the military council by taking up arms?
A: Yes. I will continue to revolutionize the military council as much as I can.
Q: At present, what are your major requirements for the People’s Defence Forces?
A: There are many requirements. We have many necessities as we are not an organization like the military council. We need arms, rations and other assistance.
Q: As a female, what are your difficulties in fighting?
A: I face many difficulties. I have no chance to take a bath when I go to the frontline. I find it difficult to take a bath among men. I face difficulty in the availability of drinking water. I am ok only when I can do more than the men can.
Q: Do you believe that this revolution will succeed? Why?
A: Yes, I do. We shall surely achieve success as we are fighting against the army by standing on the right side. The reason why I believe it is that it depends on our burning desires. We will surely win it as we believe that we are doing good things.
Q: What will you be doing if there is no military coup?
A: I would have got a university degree if the military had not staged the coup. I worked as a designer. I would have implemented my dream. At present, I cannot continue my dream. I have been working as a designer for around four years.
Q: Do you have anything to add?
A: What I would like to add is we need more support from the public. The public no need to feel depressed. I would like to urge the public to support us before the public feel sorry for the fallen heroes.
Asked by Maw Oo Myar (Kantaryawaddy Time)
