The Karen National Union Central declared that two Military Council soldiers who surrendered to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) camp in the KNU bridge (3) area, located at Shwegyin Township, Nyaunglaebin District, have been granted a reward of 4 million Myanmar kyat each.

Maung Datha, aged 25, and Maung Phyo Koko, aged 21, who serve as soldiers in the Military Council's Light Infantry Battalion (350) stationed in Shwegyin Township, surrendered to Battalion (7) of the KNLA along with their weapons on 11 September.

A soldier from the KNLA said, “The reason for their surrender to the KNU was their desire to discontinue their service with the Military Council.”

The two soldiers who surrendered had in their possession weapons, including one MA1, one MA2, and 237 rounds of ammunition.

These are not the first deserters in this area.

On 4 September, Sai Phyo Aung deserted from Infantry Battalion (31) of the Military Council. He was in possession of a MA-1 assault rifle, five boxes of magazines, 75 rounds of ammunition, and a pair of military uniforms. As a result, he was granted a subsidy of 5 million kyat.

The KNU has issued a statement extending a welcoming invitation to soldiers affiliated with the Military Council to join the civilian side. KNU have assured these soldiers that if they bring their weapons along, they will be compensated monetarily for the value of the weapons. Additionally, the KNU has pledged to provide support for their livelihood.