November 2, 2024
Military and administrative authorities in Yangon and Ayeyarwady Regions are calling on young people to join the military for the 7th conscription week, with a threat of arrest for those who fail to comply. In Thanlyin, Dagon Seikkan, Hlaing Tharya, and Danuphyu townships, local authorities have officially announced that young men aged between 18 and 35 must report for conscription. Those who fail to do so will face arrest under military service laws.
On October 31, in the Phay Khu Zu neighborhood of Thanlyin, the local administrator, Thein Win Htike, instructed young men aged 18 to 35 to report to the administrative office for conscription. Thein Win Htike stated that young men who refuse conscription must pay a financial penalty. Those who do not comply with the payment will be arrested under military service laws. “There are over 800 young men between the ages of 18 and 35 in the neighborhood. If the young men don’t want to join the military, the households with young men must pay a fine of 50,000 kyats. In September, we collected 30,000 kyats from each household with eligible young men,” said a local resident. According to reports, Thein Win Htike has amassed considerable wealth since taking office, including properties and vehicles, after previously living as a renter.
Similarly, on the evening of November 1, in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township in Yangon, young people were called to join the military. On November 2, these young people were instructed to cast votes to be selected for conscription, with those who receive enough votes being enlisted as soldiers. The official administrator of the 60th Ward, Thaung Tun, made this announcement. “In the 60th Ward, over 150 young people have registered for conscription. After they vote, they will be sent to the military,” a local resident stated.
In the eastern part of Hlaing Tharya Township, in Ward No. 2, military and police forces have also been reported to be forcibly recruiting young men aged 18 to 35 for the 7th conscription week. Arrests are reportedly being made for those who refuse to comply.
