By Ra Wai / MPA
The military junta has forcibly detained more than 200 people in Mandalay City for military conscription over the past month, with most arrests occurring during guest list inspections.
At least 237 individuals were arrested across seven townships in January 2025, according to the Mandalay Strike Group. The figures, based on media reports, may be even higher in reality.
A member of the Mandalay Strike Group told MPA, “Most arrests occurred during guest list inspections. In some cases, young people sitting in tea shops were taken, while others were detained for simply walking alone after 8 p.m.”
The detainees include 32 people from Aung Myay Thar Zan Township, 27 from Chan Aye Tharzan, 46 from Maha Aung Myay, 30 from Chan Mya Thazi, 35 from Pyi Gyi Tagon, 34 from Patheingyi, and 33 from Amarapura Township.
A source explained, “Although the military conscription law officially states that men up to 35 years old and women up to 27 are eligible, in practice, the military is forcibly conscripting men of all ages as long as they are healthy. Most of those taken are young men in their 20s, but there are also individuals in their 30s and even close to 40. Since December, women have also been targeted, and some have already been taken.”
With significant battlefield losses and a worsening manpower shortage, the junta has expanded forced conscription to include not only men but also women and LGBTQ individuals. In response, the Mandalay Strike Group has urged the public to prepare for potential conscription.
The group also called on the National Unity Government (NUG), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), ethnic resistance organizations, interim local administrative councils, and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) to recognize forced conscription as a severe human rights violation and form coordinated solutions with international organizations such as the United Nations and ASEAN.
Additionally, they urged the development of strategies to assist young people fleeing forced conscription and other forms of military oppression across Myanmar.
Editor – ML
Translator – Z
