As battles grow bitter between the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and the Myanmar military, the public is growing more critical of the National Unity Government (NUG) and their support for the struggle.

The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Myanmar military have been fighting since December 15, with claims by the military that members of the PDF have taken refuge in the new town called Lay Kay Kaw, Kayin State on the Thai-Myanmar border.

The consequence of the imbalance on the ground was less than expected when the PDF forces retaliated against the military-dominated Military Council. As a result, people are rushing to donate to the National Unity Government (NUG) via Go Fund Me, Raffle Tickets, Spring Lottery, and other methods and are encouraged to support weapons for the PDFs. Yet, at the same time, social media comments and posts indicate the public are dissatisfied with NUG's performance.

The Military Council launched an airstrike attack in Mae War Khi village in the Lay Kay Kaw area on Christmas Day, attacking with six planes as well as heavy artillery and mortars. Following the bombing, the KNLA and PDF retreated. At least four PDF members were killed and some were injured in the clashes, according to initial reports.

As soon as the public began to hear about the PDF casualties, social media users voiced criticism of the NUG, concerned about the losses.

The Ministry of Defense of the NUG said in a statement yesterday that it was not possible to fight whenever a weapon was ready, but that a command-and-control system with a chain of command and a people's resistance revolution could be implemented instead.

"Hundreds of Regular PDF battalions have now been formed under a centralised command structure, and weapons deployment will be coordinated across the country through strategic priority locations. Funding and armed forces are confidential, and we act effectively on our resources," Yee Mon, the NUG Defense Minister said.

On the other hand, People Soldiers' Production Team has also been formed consisting of CDM soldiers from DSTA and civilian experts to produce military weapons available for the PDFs and local defense forces (LDF). The team is developing a remote-control system for Project K1, a dual-purpose mine that will produce 1000 bombs and is now in use on the ground. Each Project K1 will require raw materials, gunpowder and remote controls which will cost around 90,000 Kyats.

The Military Council is also concerned that the PDF members who need to obtain additional ammunition will join forces with strong ethnic armed groups stationed in Myanmar's northern regions. According to a senior journalist in the liberated territory of Salween Press, the military council met with the Northern Armed Forces in Mong La on December 15 and will meet again in Kunming, China, in February.