The Shwebo District Battalion (25) announced on 6 August that they are awarded 7 million kyat (approx: $3,000) to a policeman who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) with a rifle and ammunition.

Police officer Zin Thu Aung from Kan Htoo Ma police station in Taze town, Sagaing Region joined the CDM with one G3 rifle, 380 rounds of ammunitions and some military equipment which he had taken from the Kan Htoo Ma Police Station.

“The police and soldiers are there to protect the lives of the people. Now, under the military regime, I had to do what they (Military Council) asked me to do. I feel sorry in my heart that people are being killed and property is being destroyed. So, I joined the CDM because I wanted to stand on the side of the people and work together,” said former policeman Zin Thu Aung.

"As I have a family, it is impossible for me to escape alone. That's why it took a long time to desert the police station. The families were in the police battalion and I was on duty at Kan Htoo Ma police station, so there were delays in joining the CDM. I risk my life to join the CDM. There are many people like me who want to join the CDM," he added.

He also urged troops under the military regime to stand with the people as soon as they can.

Policeman Zin Thu Aung is from No. (35) Police Battalion based in Meiktila Township, Mandalay region and he was on duty at Kan Htoo Ma police station. He is currently in a liberated area with his family, according to the Shwebo District Battalion (25).