By Crystal / MPA (Article)
When someone mentions the band Idiots, people of all ages—young, middle-aged, and elderly—will likely recognize the name today. However, not many are familiar with all the band members. Among them is Ko Paing Hmue Ko Ko, who was once a photographer.
Ko Paing Hmue Ko Ko, who worked as a photographer for the Idiots band, had hoped to live a peaceful life pursuing his passions before the military coup.
“My dream was to become a professional freelance photographer. If I could earn a good income and secure financial stability, I wanted to explore other interests, like singing and music,” said Comrade Villain.
Ko Paing Hmue Ko Ko’s comrade, Yel Baw Villain, 33, currently serves in the Yangon Regional Military Command’s special operations unit, handling information and communication duties.
“He is friendly, knows exactly what needs to be done, and takes responsibility for his tasks. He has a determined mindset and doesn’t back down. From a comrade’s perspective, we need more people like him,” remarked Comrade Rama, a fellow fighter.
Military Coup and the Youth’s Choice to Take Up Arms
On February 1, 2021, the military unlawfully overthrew the democratically elected NLD government, which had been chosen by the people. The people of Myanmar are well aware of this and continue to suffer the consequences to this day.
During the coup, the military junta arrested State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and other top political leaders. In response, nearly the entire population of Myanmar—young and old alike—took to the streets in protest, with the exception of a small group associated with the military.
At the time of the coup, Comrade Villain was among the many Myanmar citizens who rejected the military’s actions. Though he had not foreseen what would come next, he was unwilling to accept the injustice.
“When I learned that the military was going to seize power, I couldn’t accept it. I joined the protests. At first, I thought that after some demonstrations, things would settle down on their own. But in reality, it didn’t end,” he said.
As the military began using weapons to violently suppress peaceful protests, killing demonstrators, Comrade Villain made a life-changing decision.
“The turning point for me was witnessing the military brutally suppress the people with weapons I had never seen before. I realized that if they were using weapons, we would have to fight back with weapons. That’s when my decision solidified,” he explained.
In late March 2021, Comrade Villain left Yangon with the help of Idiots band singer Ko Raymond, who connected him with a liberated area where he attended basic military training.
“At the end of March, Ko Raymond said he was going to Myawaddy for military training. He made the arrangements, and when he called, I joined him. In the liberated area, I completed a two-month basic military training course, and after six months, we graduated,” said Comrade Villain.
(Currently, Ko Raymond, the lead singer of the Idiots band, who actively participated in the anti-dictatorship movement, has passed away. He died of malaria on June 23, 2021, in a liberated area.)
After completing basic training, Comrade Villain attended advanced and refresher training courses and participated in numerous ground battles.
“One of my biggest challenges during training was that I had recently undergone abdominal surgery. On January 15, 2021, I had surgery for a burst appendix. Even after three months, the wound hadn’t fully healed. I attended military training with that unhealed wound, which made it more painful than for others. Though I couldn’t do certain things, since it was basic training, I had to push through. Even with unhealed stitches, I managed to complete it,” he recalled, demonstrating his determination.
On May 5, 2021, after completing basic military training, Comrade Villain and his comrades were officially recognized as part of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) by the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG). They collaborated with ethnic leaders to conduct military operations.
Comrade Villain’s Battle Experiences
As peaceful protests became impossible, many young and old people left urban areas to undergo military training in liberated zones controlled by ethnic armed groups. Under their leadership, they began launching attacks and capturing territories controlled by the military junta.
In response, the junta intensified its focus on ethnic liberated areas, using heavy weapons and airstrikes, targeting not only combatants but also civilians in nearby villages.
On Dec. 15, 2021, a fierce battle erupted between junta troops and PDF forces in Lay Kay Kaw New Town, Myawaddy Township, Karen State. This was Comrade Villain’s first experience in ground combat.
“When the Lay Kay Kaw battle started, it was my first time fighting on the ground. Sometimes, we engaged in two battles in a single day,” he recalled.
During the four-year revolution, Comrade Villain suffered multiple injuries in battle.
“A memorable experience was during the Thingyan period in April 2022, when SAC troops attacked our PDF camp. We fought back with two trenches and Lieutenant Bo Da Baw. It was a close-quarters battle, and I was hit by a 40mm round,” he said.
In the battle of Kin, the military council (SAC) continuously fired 40mm shells using 79mm mortars. One shell exploded near his trench, injuring his waist and temple.
“I was hit twice. Shrapnel entered through my back, and blood started flowing from my stomach. My temple was also grazed, requiring four stitches. Initially, I managed to get out of the battle alone and reached a car to go to the clinic. Since the injuries seemed minor, I considered returning to the fight. However, the clinic refused to let me go. The doctor said that although my stomach wound looked small, it was only two millimeters away from my intestines. If my intestines had been hit, they would have ruptured. They had to cut open the wound to remove the shrapnel, making it slightly more severe,” he explained.
Life in the Battalion and Moments of Joy
When not on the frontlines, Comrade Villain and his comrades live in a rear camp under the battalion’s management. They undergo regular training, including skill enhancement, political education, and mental health support to combat depression.
During leisure time, they watch football matches and joke around about their favorite teams.
“I’m a Manchester United fan, and many in our unit support them too. We often tease medics who wear Man Utd jerseys, saying, ‘You’re being treated by a Man Utd fan!’ Even during battles, we joke about it,” he said with a smile.
Challenges, Hardships, and Hopes for the Future
For Comrade Villain, the biggest struggles over the past four years have been dealing with depression and illness.
“Living in the jungle, we face harsh weather and food shortages. I’ve had malaria 14 times and stomach issues six times. The biggest challenge is mental health. I often feel overwhelmed by everything, but I try to push through,” he said.
Since the coup, countless lives have been lost, and many dreams shattered.
“Family members and comrades have passed away. The pain of losing people you care about is heartbreaking,” he said.
Comrade Villain sees the revolution as a fight not only against the military junta but against decades of dictatorship.
“Our army is born from the people, and we must serve and protect them. I want to ensure that future generations don’t suffer as we have.”
After the revolution, Myanmar will need to rebuild its health, education, and economic systems. Everyone will have to work hard to restore the country.
