23-8-2024 (YANGON) In the lush bamboo forests of eastern Myanmar, a new generation of fighters is being forged. Far from the comforts of civilian life, more than 100 young people, most in their twenties, are undergoing gruelling military training with a singular purpose: to overthrow the military junta that seized power in 2021.
The Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), led by former anti-war poet Maung Saungkha, has become a prominent force in Myanmar’s resistance movement. Its ranks are filled with an eclectic mix of individuals – former chefs, ex-journalists, rappers, and poets – all united in their determination to restore democracy to their beleaguered nation.
The training ground, hidden in rebel-held territory, resonates with the sharp commands of instructors and the synchronised movements of recruits. Discipline is paramount, with harsh penalties for even the slightest misstep. Under the unforgiving sun, trainees push their bodies to the limit, their skin marked with bruises, a testament to the rigours of their new life.
The daily routine is unrelenting, beginning at 4 am and ending at 9 pm, with only Sundays offering a brief respite. During training sessions, not a drop of water is allowed, testing the recruits’ endurance to the extreme.
Formed in April 2021, the BPLA represents Myanmar’s Bamar ethnic majority and has played a crucial role in Operation 1027, a joint offensive with other rebel militias that has dealt significant blows to the military regime.
Life in the jungle camp is austere. Makeshift tents house 20 to 30 people each, with sleeping mats laid out inches apart on the ground. Personal belongings are strictly limited, with even mobile phones confiscated for the duration of the three-month training period.
One 18-year-old female trainee, standing just 1.5 metres tall, embodies the transformation taking place. Her close-cropped hair, sunburned skin, and dark-circled eyes speak of the hardships endured. Yet, a hint of a smile crosses her face as she mentions a cherished stuffed toy, kept safe by an instructor until training’s end.
The BPLA’s training goes beyond physical drills. Evening political classes, led by Maung Saungkha himself, cover topics ranging from the group’s founding principles to concepts of federalism and gender equality. “A soldier’s duty transcends fatigue,” he reminds his charges, even as exhaustion threatens to overwhelm them.
The ever-present danger of their situation is underscored by the occasional drone sighting or the ominous roar of fighter jets overhead. These moments serve as stark reminders of the real-world conflict they are preparing to join.
Ma Chel, a 25-year-old deputy head of recruitment, reflects on her journey from civilian to soldier and now instructor. “If one soldier goes to the frontline, there’s one bullet fired. But if 100 students go, there are 100 bullets,” she says, encapsulating the motivation driving these young revolutionaries.
The transformation of these individuals is perhaps best exemplified by a recruit identified only as GG. Once a “soft city girl” with dreams of working in hospitality, she now marvels at her ability to carry heavy loads up steep hills and handle firearms.
Yet, amidst the camaraderie and sense of purpose, there’s a sobering awareness of the dangers that lie ahead. More than 20 BPLA soldiers have died in battle since 2021, including recent graduates. GG’s words capture the poignant reality faced by these young rebels: “I might continue working toward my dream,” she muses, “if I am still alive after the revolution.”
