By Kantarawaddy Times
More than 100 members of the police force, including high ranking officers, have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in Kayah (Karenni) State to oppose the February 1 military coup in Burma.
According to local sources, those who have most recently joined the people’s movement include a police lieutenant and other officers from Demoso Township. The Kayah State Protest Committee is reportedly keeping them safe from arrest by the regime.
One police officer from Demoso posted on social media that he did not want to carry out his job under a military dictatorship.
“I want to be a policeman who is loved by the people. This is why I joined the police force. Now I don’t want to work under the military dictatorship. Therefore, I joined the people,” he said.
At least nine members of the police joined the movement in Kayah State on Friday alone, but have been joining regularly since February 10.
More than 100 of the 240 police in the state were part of the CDM at the time of reporting.
It is believed to be the highest representation of police in the movement in any state or region in Burma.
Civil servants such as those working in health, education, and other sectors have join the CDM alongside students, activists and other members of the public in Kayah State as well, despite increasing pressure and threats from the military authorities to return to work.