Kayin State BGF officers and others collectively resign

Kayin State BGF officers and others collectively resign
Colonel Saw Chit Thu (centre) seen during a security measure on Asia Road in Myawady.
Colonel Saw Chit Thu (centre) seen during a security measure on Asia Road in Myawady.
Published 16 January 2021
Shwe Thein

Thirteen commanding officers including Colonel Saw Chit Thu, officers and other ranks from Kayin State Border Guard Force (BGF) have reportedly submitted their resignations. 

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a major from the Kyain State BGF confirmed their resignations. 

“Yes, it’s true the commanding officers from 13 battalions and 77 officers and other ranks submitted their resignation letters to South East Command on January 14. The reason is they were facing pressure from the Myanmar military,” the major said. 

The collective resignations came after Commanding Officer Major Saw Mot Thon from Station 4 and Battalion 1022 on January 8. 

An officer from the state BGF said: “Our leaders have already urged us to try to ensure that the current peace status of Kayin State is not hampered.” 

The Kayin State BGF was formed in August 2010 with 13 battalions—12 from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and one from the Karen Peace Front (KPF). 

DKBA also broke away from the Karen National Union (KNU) in 1994. After agreeing to a ceasefire, it also joined hands with the military in fighting against KNU bases. 

When the Kayin State BGF was formed, there were about 3,000 troops but the number has reduced to nearly 1,000. 

There have been reports that the Shwe Kotko new town project being co-implemented by the BGF-owned company and a foreign company is the reason behind their resignations. 

During a press conference held at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on January 8, President Office spokesperson Zaw Htay said order had been issued to take actions against the project in line with the military rules and disciplines. The military has been instructed to do so as the BGF is under its control. 

Moreover, 2,714 Chinese and 71 other foreigners working on the project have been ordered to return home. Till January 6, 888 Chinese and two other foreigners were sent back to their countries, Zaw Htay said.