The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was the armed wing of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) up until 1989 when both the CPB and the PLA were disbanded.
Following the 2021 military coup, the PLA was reformed under the CPB and has now been operational, fighting alongside resistance forces over the last four years.
DVB spoke to Ni Ni Kyaw, the PLA general secretary, to find out why the group was re-established and what role it’s playing in the resistance to the 2021 coup.
DVB: First of all, can you share why the PLA was re-established in 2021?
NNK: The PLA is re-established to eliminate fascists, military dictatorship, and to liberate all groups of Myanmar people from oppression.
DVB: What is the PLA’s policy and stance for the future of Myanmar?
NNK: The PLA is and will be trying to help achieve a political system for which Myanmar people have been hoping to see accomplished.
DVB: Which geographical areas is the PLA currently operating and how much public support does it receive?
NNK: The PLA is now conducting military operations in northern Shan State, Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway and Tanintharyi regions, as well as other areas. We are honoured to receive increasing public support from the areas we operate in.
DVB: What is the PLA’s commitment to take down the military regime [which seized power after the coup] and does it have any policies for a future post-regime Myanmar?
NNK: We are strongly determined to overcome any challenge to take down the military dictators and continue fighting until the whole country is free. After that, we will, at full capacity, carry on works that benefit the people.
DVB: What is the situation for the PLA in working with its allies? What are the successes it has enjoyed?
NNK: Our alliance is expanding. Together, we have built trust by fighting side by side in and enjoying victories from both small and large-scale battles. The PLA’s alliance policy is to work together for a common goal. We are now joining with ethnic armed groups, forces both under and outside the command of the National Unity Government (NUG).
DVB: Do you have any last words for the people of Myanmar?
NNK: The PLA is the children of the people. When people are shedding tears or blood, it feels the same for us. We are now here again to liberate the people from suffering under military rule. We are the children who wipes their tears. The people are about to see a new world. I would like to urge them to keep fighting. The people are the sole history-makers. I am thankful to the people and also to DVB.
