Bo Let Ya

Bo Let Ya (; ; born Hla Pe ; ; 30 August 1911 – 29 November 1978) was a Burmese army general and a member of the legendary Thirty Comrades who fought for Burma's independence from Britain. He also served as the first Defence Minister and the first Deputy Prime Minister of the post-independence Union of Burma.

Early life He attended Myoma High School in Rangoon.

Career During the Second World War he was Chief of Staff of the Burma Defence Army (1942-1943) and as Deputy Minister of War in the Japanese puppet-state, the State of Burma (1943-1945). After the war, he replaced General Aung San as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister when the latter was assassinated on 19 July 1947. He was later made to resign from the post by AFPFL Government. He was involved in the 1947 Let Ya-Freeman Agreement.

Throughout his career, he served the following posts: Deputy Minister of War Affairs (1943–1945) Defence Councillor (July 1947 – 1948) Deputy Prime Minister (January 1948 – 1952) Minister of Defence

Following the 1962 coup d'état, Bo Let Ya was imprisoned by the Union Revolutionary Council from 1963 to 1965.

Death On 29 November 1978, he was killed by Karen troops during a battle following a split in the Karen National Union's leadership.