Palaut Hko is one of the backbone defence bases in the Bhaw Sell Hko region. Back then, our division and division 101 were planning to change positions. There was quite a large number of people since the two divisions were together.
Our battalion was ordered to carry supplies to Yoon Slin base over Palaut Hko hill. There was also a logistics battalion with us. They have mules but we had to carry ourselves. Because no vehicle is allowed beyond Bhaw Sell Hko main hill. There was also no road.
Anyway, we had to start from Bhaw Sell Hko toward Palaut Hko. We slept at Palaut Hko for one night. Then we continue to Yoon Slin. It was pretty tiring. None of us can move after a day of travelling. We need to take a rest early. Well, the good thing is we can eat a lot after that. Others were resting but I went to see my friend from the same intake to talk about this and that. I asked him about what was new and what to take care of in the region I was going to stay. I asked him about the fallen general staff officer before us.
“My friend, do you know about the officer who fell here? Can you tell me about that?” I told him.
“Of course, I know. What rotten luck. As you can see, there are no hills in this Palaut Hko base. One is the main hill and the other is the point. This one here is the main one. The one you are seeing is the point,” he pointed. I shone my flashlight. If looked at from a bird’s eyes view, one could see a small footpath between the two hills. The grass grew as high as a man’s waist on both sides of the path. There was also a large rock on the middle left of the path.
“Do you see the rock? Well, there are a lot of mines on that side. There is a place for water but I forbid my people to go there. The water on this side is pretty far to reach but safer. Warn your people about the mines and told them to use this side,” he said. “Okay, okay. I told them earlier. They don’t have the energy to move right now anyway. Continue your story,” I replied. “Well, it is that rock. An enemy sniper was waiting beside that rock to shoot our officer. As far as we can guess, he was probably waiting for one day and one night. He was very patient. And he is patient for a very good reason too. He didn’t know who our staff officer was.”I had to acknowledge the patience of that sniper.“On that day, our forces returned from chopping wood and bamboo for the fence. One of the people asked Aba, where do I put these down? From that, he knew who the officer is. As soon as there was a gunshot, our officer fell down. He aimed very well. The bullet passed through the pubes. We reported about this and they sent us a chopper, “ he continued. “Thank God. Otherwise, it would be pretty troublesome,” I exclaimed. “Well, it was fine till we took him to the Nay Pyi Taw hospital. At least it was good at the hospital. He only died after three surgeries.” “What good skills. He could have lived on his own. Take care, my dude. Otherwise, we could be meeting that surgeon,” I said. I went back to sleep as it was getting pretty late and I will be travelling in the morning.
We continued our journey the next day as usual. The people from logistics have three mules each to carry things. Each mule carries a bag of rice. The bag was divided into halves and was put onto each side of the mule. It was a long line of mules and people carrying supplies. Before we left, our staff officer told us, “As all of you know, the place we are travelling through will be filled with land mines. Moreover, you need to be more cautious of remote mines. Don’t crowd around each other. There will be a long line since there are so many of us. As time goes by, we will become less attentive as we become tired. If you are not careful and forgot to clear for mines, we all could die. Look after your team carefully. If you think someone is not behaving properly, you need to tell them even if they are not from your group. Then, let’s get going if you are ready.” We all said, “Yes sir.”
We took a rest at Point 3400 hill camp. We fed ourselves and the mules. Our staff officer went up to the hill to talk with the base commander during the meal. The rest of us prepared to go after eating. After our officer was ready, we continued our journey to Yoon Slin. Before Yoon Slin, there are famous places like Pine Forest and Brassiere Ravine. Just as our group arrived a few meters away from Brassier Ravine, there was a loud explosion noise from a remote mine. We also heard gunshots shortly after. Our staff officer asked on the radio, “What happened? Which group?” And we heard the logistics officer’s cheerful reply, “Our group Aba. Sayargyi from our group was the victim. But the mine didn’t hit him. Just only the two mules. They thought they hit him and came to grab the gun but he shot back. We got one dead and a gun. One of the mules died but the other is fine.” I thought, “Ha, how badass. The infantry guys were useless but the old man (Sayargyi) could shoot back.” We were held up there since we must report to headquarters and such. Then we continued. We arrived Yoon Slin at night because of the incident. We gave our supplies to the base and prepared for rest.
Others were trying to sleep as they were tired but I wanted to know what happened back then. So, I went to Sayargyi to ask about the incident. I asked around and found him. Although his name is Sayargyi, he is rather quite short and thin. “Tell me, Sayargyi. I heard about you on the radio back then. Luck is on your side. Maybe you will get promoted and rewarded. I am interested in what happened. Can you tell me about it?” I asked him. “Oh, BoGyi, come, come. Sit here,” he said. He has a fire in front of him and there was also tea. “BoGyi, I will tell you what really happened. It is true that I hit one and got a gun also. But it is not exactly like what you heard. It was just blind luck,” he told me.
I become more intrigued, “Tell me, I wanted to know more now.” “Well, it was like this. When we arrived at the Brassiere Ravine, in one corner, I got hit by a remote mine. I heard the explosion and was shocked. I couldn’t grasp the situation right away. Just then, from my right, the guy who set off the mine dropped near me. I was frightened and fired my gun. I think he was pretty unlucky. I think they wanted to take my gun. But as he hurried to me, he must have tripped something. I was a short fellow. So, I was covered by the mule and got lucky. The remote mine didn’t hit me. Only one of my mules died. His gun got hooked on a tree on his way down. We got that after clearing the area. That’s what happened exactly, BoGyi. It wasn’t because I was brave. It was just my luck,” he laughed at the end of his story. “What a facepalm!” I said to myself. Well, it is not strange when the whole military boasts if they succeed and gives excuses if they fail. “Anyway, I am sorry for your loss but I congratulate your success,” I told him and returned to my place.
Yours respectfully,
Htet Myat.