Teen fighter pauses near Myawaddy to talk of decision to join resistance — Radio Free Asia
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.
Related articles
Nebraska's governor says he'll call lawmakers back to address tax relief
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen threatened from the beginning of this year’s legislative2024-04-20Museum visits surge in popularity this summer
A cute pottery is seen at the Datong Museum in Shanxi province, Aug 20, 2023. [Photo/VCG]During the2024-04-20China to export commuter trains to Indonesia for first time
(ECNS) -- China's leading train manufacturer CRRC Sifang announced to export commuter electronic tra2024-04-20China's AG600M firefighting aircraft completes cold
A China's independently-developed large amphibious aircraft AG600M completes its cold-weather test f2024-04-20- LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Zedan Racing Stables has appealed a Kentucky Circuit Court ruling that denied2024-04-20
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Understanding China Conference
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-04-20
atest comment