September 30, 2024
A local resident reported, “At around 5 AM yesterday in Ward 53 of Dagon New Town, youths were taken under the pretext of military operations. The term ‘taken’ refers to the apprehension of youths who have been avoiding conscription.” Similarly, on the evening of September 28, military and police forces arrested 15 youths in Mandalay Region’s Kyaungseik Township, and an additional 20 youths from other areas, such as the Mingalone Circle. It has been noted that each arrested youth was offered 100,000 kyats for their release, while those unable to pay were conscripted as new recruits.
On September 29, the military raided several bars and KTV venues in Thanlyin District, resulting in the arrest of over 50 youths. Currently, the detained youths are being held separately in two locations by the military. A relative of one detained youth stated, “The youths coming out of the bars and KTVs likely number over 50. The military has taken them, and those being held are separated into different places around the Sunya Mountains. They cannot be released or contacted, as they are being gathered for military conscription.”
Additionally, at around 8:30 AM on September 28, military forces arrested 30 civilians at Aung Chan Tha Market in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, while they were shopping and enjoying tea at nearby shops. The military allegedly told the civilians that they would be taken for selection if they could not pay money. “They are taken during the busy mornings when villagers come to trade at the market. Furthermore, those entering the city are subjected to checks for identification papers, registration, and vehicle licenses. Those without registration face a fine of 50,000 kyats, while those without vehicle licenses are fined 100,000 kyats on the spot. On this day, two individuals from Chhipar Village and two couples from Botekon Village, along with two others whose names are unknown, were also arrested,” said a local resident.
