Two Myanmar junta soldiers escaped from Rihkhawdar junta army camp in Chin State's Falam Township and surrendered along with their weapons and ammunition to the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF).

On 10 June the two private soldiers surrendered to a CNDF checkpoint along with one MA1 gun, four boxes of magazines, 330 rounds of ammunition and one MG1 grenade.

They had managed to desert whilst on guard duty. They said they had deserted because they were not allowed to freely communicate with their families, had been forced to serve in the army against their will, and the general hardships of army life.

A CNDF spokesperson said to Mizzima: “We are taking good care of them. Currently, we are providing them with healthcare and assistance to meet their basic needs. If they want to join our team, we are happy to have them, but we can't guarantee what will happen because it depends on what they choose to do.

According to the two soldiers, there are 55 junta soldiers and 20 policemen stationed at Rihkhawdar junta army camp.

About 10 junta soldiers have now defected to the CNDF.