Former Myanmar Beauty Queen Joins Ethnic Rebels Against The Junta

A former Myanmar beauty queen has decided to join the armed ethnic rebel group in the country's fight against the military junta. Htar Htet Htet, a 32-year-old gymnastics instructor, and began her military training in April with the United Defense Forces (UDF) and the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO).

Htar Htet Htet shared photos on Facebook wearing combat fatigues and armed rifles. “It has been 100 days since we lost everything,” she wrote. “I will fight back as much as I can,” she added.

The former beauty queen and actress has been actively sharing news about the military coup in Myanmar. Images and videos emerged over the abuse of military powers against its civilians.

“The time has come to fight back…We must all succeed in our uprising,” she wrote.

On Feb. 1, the military declared a state of emergency for one year and appointed Myint Swe, a retired general who ran the influential Yangon military command, as acting president, after arresting civilian leader and Nobel Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior officials.

This led to a nationwide protest on the streets which has been deflected by the military. There are about 780 protestors died at the hands of the military.

Meanwhile, Htar Htet Htet left Yangon to fight for the rebels. She has been training for a month and 11 days in an unknown location. “We can only come back if we win,” she said. Htar Htet Htet even mentioned that she’s ready to give up her life for the cause.

Miss Grand Myanmar contestant, Han Lay, also shared her sentiments about the coup during the pageant. “Today in my country, Myanmar, while I am going to be on this stage, there are so many people dying, more than 100 people died today,” reported Khaosod English.

“I want to say for here that, please help Myanmar. We need your urgent international help right now,” Han Lay added.

In 2013, Htar Htet Htet represented Myanmar at the Miss Grand International pageant, which is held every year in Thailand. In the swimsuit and national costume rounds, she had faced 60 competitors.