By Zwe Ko / MPA

According to local sources, the State Administration Council (SAC) Army has been arresting young people as well as individuals with mental health issues in several townships within the Thayarwaddy District, Bago Region, for their 6th Batch of Basic Military Training under conscription law.

In early October 2024, junta soldiers arrested a man with mental health problems in Okpho Township and took him to Oethikone Police Station, said a 40-year-old man from the township.

“The boy is probably around 30 years old. He is mentally unwell, and during a time when there were few people around, the soldiers arrested him. It was only after he arrived at the station that they realized he was mentally ill, so they released him. However, he had to spend one night at the station. They just arrest everyone they see, regardless of whether they are mentally unstable or not,” the man said.

Additionally, in recent days, conscription-related abductions have resurfaced in Letpadan Township. On 11 October, three young men were taken by the military from a vehicle, according to a 45-year-old woman familiar with the incident.

“They said the boys were spare drivers, they were not passengers. The soldiers stopped the vehicle and dragged them off. I have not heard if they were released. When a batch of training under the conscription law is about to start, they just seize people. Once they have enough, they take a break and then resume the arrests,” she explained.

A female political activist from the town of Sittkwin, Minhla Township, revealed that the military’s abductions of young people are not only for conscription but also as a means of extorting money.

“If they arrest you, you can be released only after paying at least 500,000 kyats. Some wealthier people have to pay 600,000 or 700,000 kyats. Those who cannot pay are forced to undergo military training. Ever since the military conscription law was enforced, both the military and members of local administrative bodies have been making a profit by extorting gold and money from people. Some of them even built houses, bought motorcycles and their wives became wealthier ,” she said.

On 11 October, conscripts and those who voluntarily joined the military were transported to Yangon from Thayarwaddy Township in two military vehicles, according to a 40-year-old man from the township.

“There were two police cars full of officers, and at least 60 new recruits in the two military trucks. I saw the same thing last month as well,” the man said.

Locals have reported that at least 40 people from each township in Thayarwaddy District are required to be gathered for each batch of  military training under conscription law. If the required number is not met, soldiers of SAC Army conduct widespread abductions.

On 16 September 2024, resistance forces reported that SAC Army- controlled police force in Okpho Township, who were conducting conscription efforts, were attacked. During the clash, a station commander and an informant were killed.