By Ra Wai / MPA

The military junta has arrested at least 185 young people from residential areas in Kale Town, Sagaing Region, and forced them into military training.

According to the Kale Town People’s Strike Committee, the junta conscripted 45 youths for the sixth military training, 50 for the seventh, 30 for the eighth, and 60 for the ninth. The actual number of arrests may be higher than reported.

A middle-aged man from Tar Han Ward in Kale Town told MPA, “Junta troops have set up checkpoints across town, arresting passersby under the pretense of military conscription. In reality, it’s more like extortion—people can pay to secure their release. Even teenagers from our ward have been taken. The ransom is over 5 million kyat, but for wealthier families, it can go up to at least 10 million.”

The military has been carrying out arrests not only in residential areas but also within religious compounds.

“Because of these crackdowns, many youths from the town have fled to areas controlled by the People’s Defense Forces (PDF). Some have joined the resistance, while others have escaped on their own without affiliating with any group,” he added.

The Kale Town People’s Strike Committee has warned local youths to stay indoors, avoid entertainment events, and refrain from traveling at night.

The committee also urged residents to monitor military movements, take precautions to prevent arrest, avoid military-controlled areas, and remove sensitive applications, including VPNs, from their devices in advance.

Editor – ML
Translator – Z