The Yangon Region military council has issued directives to gather new recruits for the upcoming seventh weekly military training session scheduled for November. This follows reports that some states and regions were unable to meet the required number of recruits for the sixth weekly session, leading to delays in the commencement of training.
During the sixth session held in October, the Yangon Region successfully gathered the necessary recruits, prompting the council to call for early collection of individuals to meet the target for the next training. It has been noted that due to the inability of some regions to fully meet their quotas during the sixth session, the start of military training was postponed.
On October 19, over 400 young individuals detained in the Pyinmagon military and shelter camp in Hlaing Township, Yangon Region, were reportedly transported to a military computer and technology school in Hopong Township, Shan State, to participate in the sixth weekly military training. Approximately 25 military vehicles were involved in the transport, with each carrying around 20 individuals, ensuring the safe transportation of the recruits.
Furthermore, it has been reported that some police stations in the Yangon Region are collecting male detainees aged between 18 and 35 for the sixth weekly military training. Those being released from detention include individuals involved in various criminal activities such as theft, drug offenses, illegal gambling, and other minor crimes.
A resident from Yangon city stated, “From the first to the sixth session, there were no job opportunities in the neighborhoods, and the youth were finding it hard to make ends meet. The elders and business owners in the area are gathering money to support the youth. This is making it harder for students and good young people in the community. Now, with the ongoing conflicts, young people are increasingly becoming casualties. The situation is slowly turning into a desperate one for those who previously managed to balance their education and livelihood.”
Since May, the junta has intensified its efforts to recruit young individuals as new soldiers for military training, and the current situation marks the arrival of the seventh weekly training session.
