“Be Humane in Warfare”
Htwin
During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a Ukrainian military camera drone spotted a wounded Russian soldier. Though the operator could have killed him, the soldier signaled a plea for mercy, prompting the Ukrainians to drop a water bottle and a note with instructions. Following the note, the Russian soldier successfully reached Ukrainian lines. This event went global as a prime example of military ethics and humanity.
In contrast, a civil war has been raging in Myanmar since the coup by military dictator Min Aung Hlaing. One cannot expect humanity from the dictatorial military. Arresting election-winning NLD leaders, shooting unarmed protesters, killing CDM staff, burning villages, raping women, bombing schools and monasteries, using human shields, and forced conscription are just a few examples of the junta’s brutality.
However, revolutionary forces must maintain their humanity, even when responding to the enemy's cruelty. Guided by proverbs like “Do not repay evil with evil” and “Let not your integrity falter no matter how others corrupt justice,” they must stand on the side of righteousness. The public's occasional calls to “kill the enemy immediately” must be understood with patience. Revolutionary forces have taken up arms only because they have no other choice, and they must continually strive to avoid inhumane acts.
Worthy examples of humanity among revolutionary forces can also be found. Notable instances include providing medical care to villagers after taking a Pyu Saw Htee village in Pauk Township in June, and visiting the parents of a police officer (who had challenged PDFs) in late July to counsel him instead.
Nevertheless, certain behaviors among revolutionary forces are entirely unacceptable and should never be publicly shared: inappropriately touching or mishandling enemy prisoners of war, placing bullet tips into the mouths of fallen soldiers, or filming and posting videos of deceptive assassinations of gate guards in civilian clothes.
Furthermore, all battlefield matters inherent to the nature of war should be handled confidentially, keeping in mind that displaying inhumanity damages the reputation of revolutionary forces and erodes public trust.
To conclude with the words of Captain Nay Myo Zin:
A revolutionary is not a saint, but to defeat the fascist terrorist military, they must act with a noble mindset. Evil can only be conquered through virtuous deeds, and it is only with that spirit that a new society free of malice can be built.