A total of six men – five from the AA and one from the Student Armed Force (SAF) – have re­turned to the legal fold under the government’s peace initiative.

The returnees, hail­ing from various town­ships in Rakhine State and Sagaing Region, were officially welcomed back at a ceremony held yesterday morning at the Hall of the Sittway Station.

The event was at­tended by Rakhine State Chief Minister U Naing Oo, Commander of the Western Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Zaw, and other regional officials. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister and the Commander deliv­ered opening remarks, presented cash rewards and relief supplies to the young men, and had them sign formal pledg­es before systematical­ly handing them over to their parents and guard­ians. A representative of the returnees also expressed gratitude to the authorities.

The government continues to encourage remaining members of armed resistance groups who wish to re­turn to the legal fold to contact the nearest military bases or police stations. The authorities have reaffirmed that all returnees will receive necessary assistance, alongside cash rewards for any surrendered weapons and ammuni­tion. — MNA/MKKS