Myanmar Military Desertions Surge as Former Captain Warns of Deepening Crisis

Thousands of Myanmar troops have left the army as the conflict widens. A former captain said the force is breaking from inside. He spoke in New Delhi this week. He said many soldiers now refuse to fight or harm civilians. This surge in desertions shows a major shift in the Myanmar military.

The captain said the crisis has grown since the 2021 coup. He said the army used harsh force in many regions. He said these acts pushed many officers to escape. His comments match reports from major global outlets, including Reuters and AP, that note rising resistance inside the army.

Myanmar Military Desertions Reach New High

The former captain said nearly 20,000 soldiers have fled the Myanmar military. He also said 200 officers left their posts. He said many now stay near borders with India and Thailand. He said others hide in zones held by resistance groups. According to The Hindu, this pattern has grown since 2021.

He said he saw civilian homes burned. He said he saw soldiers take property. He said he saw civilians used as shields. He said these acts became routine inside the army. He said many officers feel trapped. He said they fear both the military and the resistance. His account adds to long reports of abuses noted by global rights groups.

The captain said he fled in 2021. He left after his child was born. He traveled by public transport and bikes. He reached India in early 2022. He now lives near the Mizoram border. He said Indian authorities treated him with care. He said this helped him rebuild his life. He now works with a pro‑democracy group called People’s Goal.

Wider Impact on Myanmar’s Fight and Elections

The captain said the 2025 election in Myanmar will not bring peace. He said the junta plans to hold polls without reform. According to global coverage by Reuters and BBC, many regions remain conflict zones. He said most people do not trust the election. He said a “silent strike” is already under way. Many citizens plan to avoid voting.

He said around 30 ethnic groups support the resistance. He said 10 groups actively fight the army. This has stretched the Myanmar military. He said morale is low. He said many fear this conflict will last longer. He urged India to send a clear message to the junta. He said India should tell the army that the public rejects the election.

This surge in desertions could reshape the conflict. It reduces the number of trained troops. It weakens control in border areas. It also raises the cost of the conflict for the army. Many analysts expect the crisis to deepen if no talks take place.

The wave of desertions shows how fragile the Myanmar military has become. The former captain said only political change can stop the collapse. He said the Myanmar military cannot restore trust again.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: Why are so many troops leaving the Myanmar military?

Many leave due to harsh actions against civilians. Some fear orders they do not want to follow. Others want safety for their families.

Q2: Where are the deserters going?

Most stay near India and Thailand borders. Some live in resistance zones. Others hide in remote villages.

Q3: How many soldiers have deserted?

The former captain said 20,000 soldiers and 200 officers left. This matches trends noted by major outlets. The number keeps rising.

Q4: How does this affect Myanmar’s election?

The election may lose public trust. Many people refuse to take part. The conflict makes voting unsafe in many regions.

Q5: What is the role of India in this crisis?

India borders the conflict zone. India also receives deserters and refugees. Its choices may affect talks and stability.