After witnessing his forces raise the white flag of surrender in Rakhine State last week, Min Aung Hlaing again called for efforts to build unwavering unity within the ranks and between the military and the public.
The regime boss stressed the need for unity during his speech at a graduation ceremony for female officer cadets in Yangon’s Hmawbi Township on Sunday. He was speaking just days after the loss of Western Command headquarters in Rakhine’s Ann town and Mindat and Kanpetlet towns in Chin State.
“As long as unity prevails within military units, no one can shatter or disrupt them,” Min Aung Hlaing was quoted as saying by junta media as he underscored the importance of military solidarity.
The junta chief is once again taking flak from his supporters following a series of humiliating military defeats. Despite losing a second regional command, several more towns, and seeing high-ranking officers captured by resistance forces, he continues attending national ceremonies, including the opening and closing of the recent sports festival, fueling anger among military supporters.
Similarly, after the junta lost Lashio and its Northeastern Command in August, Min Aung Hlaing was criticized for prioritizing traditional performing arts competitions over military affairs.
Myanmar military sympathizers have slammed the junta chief’s efforts to spread propaganda and a facade of normalcy through grand ceremonies as ineffective. They are calling for more support and reinforcements for frontline soldiers.
Min Aung Hlaing’s recent leadership reshuffle also attracted criticism within the military. The rejig saw the loyalist Lieutenant-General Kyaw Swar Lin promoted to No. 3 in the military hierarchy, despite having little if any combat experience. He replaced Chief of General Staff General Maung Aung Aye, who took over as defense minister from Tin Aung San, who was transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Meanwhile, over 150 junta soldiers and police officers surrendered in Chin State last week. Reports indicate that “watermelons” – soldiers outwardly loyal to the military but secretly working for anti-regime groups – have played a crucial role in the rise of the nationwide resistance movement. The junta’s string of military losses has been attributed partly to internal dissent and informants within the Myanmar military.
This explains why Min Aung Hlaing made his desperate call for unity and cohesion among soldiers and their families, also urging them to engage in public welfare and disaster relief to win public support.
