MPDF declares they will operate as a local militia group under Burmese army

October 14, 2022

HURFOM: The Mon Peace and Defense Force, an armed splinter group who surrendered to the Burmese military in 2010, has now declared they will serve as a local militia operating under the Burmese army.

October 10, 2022, the same day the group made their announcement, coincides with the 12^th anniversary of the day the MPDF surrendered to the Southeast Command of the Burmese military.

“The Burmese military has hoped the MPDF would replace the role of the New Mon State Party among the Mon community, because the NMSP hasn’t agreed to operate under the Burmese military. But the MPDF can’t attract the Mon community and has failed to grow their forces. Eventually, they can do nothing but agree to operate as a local militia group,” said a Mawlamyine resident who is close to the MPDF in Mawlamyine.

The MPDF has been active in the area controlled by the Southeast Command and according to the multiple sources, they have a history of operating as a local militia group in Karen State, Mawlamyine and Thanbyuzayat Townships.

“As a local militia group, they have to fulfill the needs of the Burmese army. In exchange, they’ve been granted some economic opportunities. They wanted to grow their forces but they failed. Now they have divisions in their groups and operate as different local militia groups in different areas,” continued the source.

The MPDF was founded by General Nai Shaung, a former member of the NMSP. As of October 10, 2010, the group had 268 active members.

Observers of this development note that ever since the MPDF surrendered to the Burmese military, the group has failed to grow their forces and there is no unity amongst their leaders.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News