By Ko Paing / MPA
The military junta has escalated its aggressive conscription campaign in Yangon, carrying out mass arrests of young people in broad daylight.
Uniformed soldiers and plainclothes operatives have been detaining individuals as part of an alleged illegal recruitment drive for the military’s training program, according to police sources.
The source explained, “We believe these arrests are part of the military training batch 10. It’s no longer just soldiers making arrests—Pyu Saw Htee militia members are also involved. I’ve heard they can earn over 100,000 kyats for every person they capture.”
According to the Rangoon Scout Network, a platform that tracks military council activities and significant events in Yangon, junta soldiers, police, and Pyu Saw Htee militia members have been arresting young people across various locations in recent days. These include North Dagon’s Wards 48 and 46, the Bo Hmue Ba Htoo Housing Complex, Ward 13 in Yankin Township, Ward 5 in East Dagon, as well as on public transit in Insein Township, Thingangyun, Shwe Pauk Kan, Hlaing, Sanchaung, and Thaketa.
The source added, “In some areas, the arrests appear politically motivated. However, in most recent cases, apart from those caught with weapons, the majority of detainees are being sent to meet military conscription quotas.”
Many of the arrested young people are being sold into the conscription substitute market, where prices currently range from 5 million to over 10 million kyats per person.
Meanwhile, the military has been compiling lists of women aged 18 to 27 in some Yangon townships, issuing summons, and posting notices in ward offices to enlist them for military service.
The military junta launched its ninth nationwide military training program on January 20.
