Kantarawaddy Times
“If we don’t act now, the revolution will keep dragging on.”
These are the words of 25-year-old young revolutionary Ko John San.
With a sense of responsibility for the country, Ko John San trained with the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and joined the fight on the battlefield. Before the coup, he worked as a driver at a construction site.
While fighting the junta’s troops on the frontlines, on March 5, 2022, during the Demoso police station battle, he lost one leg after stepping on a landmine laid by the military junta’s troops. His leg was amputated below the knee.
Even without one leg, Ko John San, who now serves as deputy commander of KNDF Unit 19, still goes out to the frontlines to this day.
“My leg was the only thing lost. I still have roles I can do, so I joined from inside those roles,” Ko John San said.
Wearing a prosthetic leg, Ko John San is able to move around like an ordinary person. After recovering from his wound, he could not stay behind the lines.
“I went with a prosthetic leg. Why? Because I care about my comrades.” His words reveal the genuine spirit of a leader. He is not just issuing orders, but he also fights shoulder to shoulder with the other comrades.
On a tense ongoing frontline, despite missing a leg, as a deputy commander, he provides morale and needed tactical advice to the revolutionary forces. His style of leadership has given confidence and strength to those he leads.
“We trusted him from the start and made him our commander. He’s like a parent to us. We follow his determination and the path he shows,” one of his fellow comrades explained.
Even when he returns to his base, he remains energetic and active. He focuses on gathering needed supplies for KNDF units, cooking meals, cleaning, and discussing military strategy.
He also provides mental and physical support for those who were wounded in battle.
He often shares his experience of losing a leg to inspire and strengthen the resolve of other fighters. That constant engagement at both front and rear highlights Ko John San’s determined commitment to the revolution.
Ko John San openly admits that there were times when his spirits were low after sacrificing part of his body for the cause, but he says he never regrets his decision.
“It’s not something it is worth, but I don’t regret it. If I die, I’ll die by a bullet. If I die, I’ll die from the artillery shelling. If I step on a landmine, I’ll be hit. Since I’ve already thought it through, I don’t regret it,” he declared.
He is ready to fight with his fellow comrades at any time and has decided to give his life for the people.
“If we are provided with what we need, we will risk our lives and fight until the end. We will defend them (civilians),” he said with complete resolve.
Ko John San is a modern-day hero whose physical wounds have not broken his revolutionary spirit. His endurance is rooted in the hope that people will be safe and enjoy a better future.
Therefore, due to the leaders with the determination like Ko John San, the revolution will indeed be successful.
