At least 2,000 Myanmar pro-democracy fighters have died fighting the junta that came to power last year. The leader of the parallel civilian governments gave an interview broadcast on Thursday and called on allies for military help.
Du Wah Lachi La, acting president of the National Unity Government (NUG), spoke at the Reuters Next conference from an undisclosed location in Myanmar.
“We consider (death) as the price we have to pay,” said Du Wah Lachi La, a 70-year-old former teacher and lawyer who fled her home in Kachin state. in northern Burma with his family, he said.
The army branded him and his colleagues as terrorists. and banning people from communicating with them But a parallel civilian government has widespread support. And allied armed groups called the People’s Guard have formed throughout the country.
“I don’t know when I will die. It depends on God’s will. I am committed to sacrifice everything for my country,” Du Wah Lachi La said, explaining that forces were fighting the junta. also includes ex-students and professionals who were evicted into the forest due to military repression wearing only a flak jacket and helmet
The Southeast Asian nation has been in turmoil since the army came to power in February. 2021, which ended just 10 years of democratic rule and used violent force to crush the protests.
In addition to the 2,000 killed in the fighting, more than 2,500 civilians were also killed elsewhere. Most of them were in the conflict on protests. According to the Society to Aid Political Prisoners A human rights group that is monitoring the unrest
Democracy fighters are at a weapons disadvantage against troops armed by Russia, China and India and using bombers. More than 1.3 million people have been internally displaced since the coup. According to the United Nations Having said that, a military attack could be considered a war crime.
The junta did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. But they said the airstrikes did not target civilians. and their operations in response to terrorist attacks.
Du Wah Lachi La said rebel fighters had killed around 20,000 junta soldiers, but this figure could not be independently confirmed.
“If we have anti-aircraft weapons It could be said that we could win in 6 months if Ukraine only got the same support from the United States. and the European Union The suffering of the people killed will end immediately,” said Du Wah Lashi La.
While the Western countries voiced their support for the national unity government and boycotted commanders and military companies But they did not provide military support to the Resistance. and he said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has a policy of not interfering in each other’s affairs This is the best way to resolve the crisis.
last month Southeast Asian government leaders have warned Myanmar to implement their peace plan to make measurable progress. Otherwise, they risk being excluded from group meetings.
The Burmese Army refuses to engage with opponents or civil society groups.
Du Wah Lachi La said they had not closed the door to talks. But the army must stop killing civilians. have promised to withdraw from politics and abolish the constitution that maintained their power.
“Then… maybe we will have a dialogue,” said the leader of the opposition government.
