BANGKOK — A key figure in Myanmar’s armed resistance movement has given himself up to the country’s military forces after coming under fire from competing opposition groups, according to government media reports released Thursday.
Bo Nagar, who commanded the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) in Myanmar’s upper-central Sagaing area, made the decision to surrender in what underscores the deep divisions plaguing the armed opposition movement. These internal conflicts have sparked intermittent fighting over territorial control and governance issues.
The Sagaing region has served as a hub for armed opposition since Myanmar’s military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration in 2021. When security forces violently suppressed peaceful protests, many civilians joined armed groups, plunging much of the nation into ongoing civil conflict.
According to Thursday’s coverage in the government-controlled Myanma Alinn publication, Bo Nagar — who also goes by Naing Lin — along with relatives reached out to military officials at a base in Pale township within Sagaing Region on Wednesday afternoon to “return to the legal fold.” Government media displayed images of Bo Nagar alongside various weapons he had handed over.
Independent Myanmar news outlets provided extensive Wednesday reports indicating that Bo Nagar and several family members were evacuated by military helicopters from his base of operations in central Sagaing.
The official newspaper stated that additional resistance members who surrender “will be welcomed and accepted, provided with the necessary assistance and support, and cash rewards for any arms and ammunition.”
Bo Nagar’s departure followed assaults on his organization by People’s Defense Force (PDF) units, which operate under the oversight of the shadow National Unity Government. The NUG was formed by democratically elected officials who were removed from power during the 2021 military takeover.
Friction had been building between Bo Nagar’s forces and regional PDF groups since the previous year due to accusations that BNRA fighters were demanding money at roadway checkpoints.
These conflicts reportedly escalated last week when the BNRA acknowledged killing a PDF member during a disagreement over weaponry. On Tuesday, PDF forces responded by attacking MNRA positions.
A Wednesday statement from the NUG maintained that the dispute emerged after BNRA personnel declined to participate in investigations regarding alleged criminal activities, including PDF member deaths and sexual assault. The statement also claimed approximately 150 BNRA members had defected to join PDF ranks.
NUG spokesperson Nay Phone Latt informed The Associated Press on Thursday that the NUG attempted to address reported criminal behavior by certain BNRA members, but Bo Nagar, who appeared to maintain regular communication with military officials, was extracted by army aircraft.
“We have received reports of child rape and other crimes committed by some BNRA members, including Bo Nagar,” Nay Phone Latt said.
Bo Nagar remained unavailable for response since entering military custody.
During the initial phase of armed opposition, Bo Nagar gained significant recognition as a leading resistance figure after first commanding a locally organized guerrilla unit called the Myanmar Royal Dragon Army, which had partnered with the NUG and became a priority target for Myanmar’s armed forces. He reorganized his forces as the BNRA in September 2023, reducing connections with PDF operations.
