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ading enemy strongholds, sabotaging communication lines, raiding
and harassing the enemy, and attacking any traitors and small groups
of enemy troops that might appear. In addition, in enemy attack, they
lead the self-defence corps in concealing everything useful from the
enemy, covering the villagers’ evacuation, keeping an eye on enemy
and traitorous activities and protecting the local government and the
lives and property of the masses.
We should make it possible for militia units at all levels to main-
tain a well-integrated, independent organization and to manage their
internal affairs democratically. For instance, leaders should be elected
at various levels, and militiamen’s enthusiasm and initiative en-
couraged. Compulsory and official measures dampen enthusiasm and
initiative and are thus undesirable. We should do our best to arm
the militia forces with all kinds of weapons, old and new, including
swords, spears, rifles, hand grenades, mines and home-made guns, and
help them develop through constant action.
Party, government and military organizations as well as civilians
in the base areas should realize the importance of creating a large,
powerful militia force, and they should co-ordinate their efforts to
make it a success. It won’t be successful if we do a perfunctory job
or if everyone goes his own way. We especially request that the regular
army and the local armed forces regard militia building as an urgent
and important mission. They should be ready to transfer some of their
best cadres to help train and lead the militia, to arm the militiamen
by every conceivable means, to attend to their combat effectiveness
and to help improve it, and to strengthen their organization and dis-
cipline. Particularly in time of war, we should give special considera-
tion to the militiamen. Such help is not only worthwhile but indis-
pensable.
After the militia has been established, it should be helped to sur-
vive and grow. We must avoid any attempts to turn it into a regular
force prematurely.
Working effectively and building a large and high-quality militia
force — this is a major military task of ours in continuing the re-
sistance behind enemy lines.