The Myanmar military regime has locked up six brigadier generals who last week surrendered to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), resulting in the ethnic armed group’s capture of Laukkai—the capital of northern Shan State’s Kokang Self-Administered Zone—from several junta battalions that had been defending it.
The detention of the officers was in line with military procedure, which calls for those who surrender on the battlefield to be detained, after being released by the enemy, and questioned in order to decide whether they should face punishment for any military offenses, said the source.
Thursday’s surrender of the junta battalions in Laukkai was mediated by China and pre-approved by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, The Irrawaddy understands. On Friday morning, Min Aung Hlaing met with China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong in Naypyitaw. According to the regime, the two “cordially exchanged views on… promotion of cooperation between the two countries, measures taken for stability of border areas of two countries and future tasks.”
On Thursday, the six brigadier generals, including Laukkai Regional Operations Command chief Brig-Gen Moe Kyaw Thu and Brig-Gen Tun Tun Myint, surrendered to the MNDAA. Tun Tun Myint was formerly chief of the Northeastern Command before being appointed the chair of the Kokang administrative body in November last year.
The six brigadier generals were flown on a junta helicopter to Lashio and detained in a cell at the military’s Northeastern Command, before being flown by chopper on Sunday to Naypyitaw, where they remain in custody, a military source familiar with the matter told The Irrawaddy.
Junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun told pro-junta media Popular News that the local battalion commanders made the best possible decision given the situation.
The junta forces that surrendered in Laukkai included troops from divisions and battalions across the country sent to reinforce the Regional Operations Command. A total of 2,395 junta soldiers surrendered. Among them were the six generals, an additional 228 officers and 1,895 other ranks, as well as 266 junta soldiers deployed on a strategic hill near the town.
The MNDAA allowed them to leave through Namtit in the Wa Self-Administered Zone, which is under the de facto control of the United Wa State Army.
Military analysts said the detained brigadier generals would likely be released soon as the junta needs them to help with the defense of Lashio.