Yangon-U Pekaf to firmly suppress criminal gangs extorting money and arresting in the name of revolution

YANGON - The People's Defence Force (Pekaf) in Yangon-U Township issued a warning on July 5, stating that it will firmly arrest, prosecute, and suppress opportunistic criminals who are exploiting the name of revolution to extort money from and arrest citizens in the Yangon-U Township of Mandalay Region. The People's Defence Force members and revolutionary organizations under the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG) are adhering to the Code of Conduct, but some criminal gangs are currently exploiting the revolution for their own selfish interests, the Yangon-U Pekaf stated after its analysis. It is understood that these criminals are committing illegal acts such as arresting and demanding money from citizens in Yangon-U Township, and threatening and extorting money from businessmen by phone, thereby undermining the rule of law and intentionally reducing public trust in the revolution. "The reason we frequently issue statements is our concern that the public may misunderstand when we arrest and prosecute organizations that commit criminal acts," said responsible person Ko Kyi to Irrawaddy Times. Furthermore, the statement from Yangon-U Pekaf stated that any organization or individual that violates NUG directives and causes suffering to the public will be considered an "enemy of the revolution and the public" similar to the military dictatorship, and will be firmly suppressed in accordance with existing laws and military laws. It is specially requested that when suppressing and arresting undisciplined criminal gangs for the rule of law on the ground, the public should understand that it is an "action against criminals who commit crimes against the people" and not to interpret it as "conflict between revolutionary organizations." Responsible person Ko Kyi of Yangon-U Township Pekaf said that the reason for this statement is to transparently inform the public of the actual situation to prevent misunderstandings among the public due to false news from other regions. Photo: NUG arming Yangon-U Pekaf members (old photo)