Brothers Reunite Amidst Myanmar’s Civil War Chaos
Two brothers, Thein Htay Aung and Taik Maung, reunite on the battlefield of Myanmar’s civil war after being separated for 18 years due to military conscription. The elder brother is a junta soldier captured by his younger sibling, now part of the Danu People’s Liberation Front (DPLF). Their encounter reveals the personal impact of conflict and the dire conditions within the military, shaping their respective choices during this turbulent period.
In a poignant episode from Myanmar’s civil war, two brothers found themselves on opposing sides. The undersigned elder brother, Thein Htay Aung, who serves as a junta soldier, was captured by rebel forces, including his younger sibling, Taik Maung, during a recent battle in Shan state’s Tawng Hkam village. The brothers had not seen each other since the elder was compelled into military service 18 years earlier.
Taik Maung, now 30 and part of the rebel Danu People’s Liberation Front (DPLF), expressed mixed emotions upon seeing his brother in captivity. “I felt happy and sad at the same time, to see my elder brother like this,” he explained, emphasizing the complexity of their encounter despite not shedding tears. Their reunion illustrates the harsh realities of a conflict that has persisted since the 2021 coup that dismantled Myanmar’s civilian government.
Thein Htay Aung was serving as a Lieutenant Sergeant in the 902nd Artillery Battalion when he was apprehended during a clash with DPLF fighters. During the encounter, he recognized Taik Maung, asking about their mother, prompting the younger brother to share a photo of her on his phone. Videos surfaced depicting their emotional reunion, highlighting the bittersweet nature of their circumstances.
Taik Maung revealed that Thein Htay Aung had suffered from mental health issues before his conscription in 2007. Despite sporadic communication with their mother over the years, the brothers had not seen each other until this month. Their family had relocated to avoid military airstrikes, indicating the broader impact of the conflict on civilian life.
Taik Maung decided to join the DPLF to resist conscription and protect civilians in a war-torn environment, influenced by his mother’s counsel to prioritize duty over familial ties in combat. Despite the risk of confronting his sibling, he felt it was essential to stand against the junta.
Reports suggest that conditions within the military are dire, with many soldiers enduring starvation and extreme hardships, leading some to surrender willingly. Individuals taken prisoner have described being denied adequate food and healthcare, further complicating their already precarious situations.
As for Thein Htay Aung, the cessation of his salary and crucial resources has likely influenced his choice to surrender. The need for medical assistance among prisoners has become critical, as many suffer from malnutrition and exhaustion. Meanwhile, Taik Maung remains dedicated to the fight, aspiring for the junta’s downfall and a peaceful resolution to the protracted political crisis, emphasizing, “We want people to live well and peacefully.”
The reunion of Taik Maung and Thein Htay Aung encapsulates the personal toll of Myanmar’s civil war, where familial bonds are strained by conflicting loyalties. The deteriorating conditions within the military, coupled with the determination of rebel forces, highlight the complexities of the ongoing conflict. Taik Maung’s commitment to his cause underscores the hope for resolution amidst pervasive suffering, aiming for a future where peace prevails.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
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