Teen fighter pauses near Myawaddy to talk of decision to join resistance — Radio Free Asia
Time:2024-05-21 14:39:41 Source:travelViews(143)
With braided hair, pink plastic clogs and a wide grin, 18-year-old Moe Pyae Sone stands straight before a camera and tells of her decision to leave her family, her school and her village.
“I am from northern Shan state and I’ve come to Kayin state for the revolution,” she says to Radio Free Asia.
Moe Pyae Sone pauses for a moment at an internally displaced people’s camp just south of Myawaddy, where ethnic rebels recently overran military junta positions.
Wearing camouflage pants and a tactical vest over a traditional red garment, she recalls her participation in protests – like so many other young people – against Myanmar’s military junta after the Feb. 1, 2021, coup d’etat.
Knowing of her desire to fight, her parents asked her to remain in school, she says. But in 2022, she secretly sold a pair of earrings to pay for travel expenses.
On the other side of the country – in Chin state – she joined resistance forces and eventually became a trainer.
“In Chin state, I’ve gained combat experience,” she says. “I’ve participated in quite a few battles.
She speaks matter-of-factly and occasionally lets loose with a nervous giggle.
Earlier this year, she made her way to Kayin state to join with another group of anti-junta fighters.
She’s the eldest of three siblings. She says her mother still lives in the same village in Shan state.
“Of course they worry about me,” she says.
Then she jumps in the back of a pickup truck with a half dozen others. She turns around to wave goodbye – still smiling – as they drive off toward a junta outpost.
Edited by Matt Reed.
Previous:Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
Next:Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
You may also like
- Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
- Subway announces major menu shake
- Woman who thought she had pinkeye was actually suffering a 'functional' STROKE
- In China, latest Minions movie gets a new ending that promotes rule of law
- Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
- Podcast pick: The best audio show to listen to now
- I'm from Texas and live in the UK, these are all the weird things I've found about British people
- What REALLY happened the night of OJ Simpson and Kris Jenner allegedly hooked up in the hot tub
- Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics