By Ko Paing / MPA
The Myanmar junta has intensified forced conscription efforts in Paungde Township, Bago Region, detaining civilians and demanding over 10 million kyats in ransom for their release, according to local sources.
The military has continued its forced conscription campaign in Paungde Township throughout January.
According to a resident, a young man from Shwe Te Ward 1 was released after his family sold their property and paid 10.5 million kyats.
A resident of Hin Thar Kan Ward shared with MPA, “The junta troops arrested their son-in-law, forcing the family to sell what little property they had to secure his release. Otherwise, their daughter would become a war widow. Joining the junta army is a death sentence—whether sooner or later. And when you die, there won’t even be a proper funeral.”
In the second week of January, two young men from Hin Thar Kan Ward were reportedly conscripted by force. According to a source close to the township administration, one of the men was released after his family paid 10 million kyats, while the other remains in custody.
Regarding the young man still in detention, the source said, “We’ve heard that his release will cost over 10 million kyats. His family hasn’t been able to secure the payment yet.”
Similarly, another young man from Byet Gyi Village, near Paungde town, was arrested during the day and released only after his family paid 10.5 million kyats.