By Hsu Yee / MPA
Locals in two villages of Pauk Township, Magway Region, are reportedly undergoing military training in preparation for recruitment into the Pyu Saw Htee militia.
Since late 2024, male villagers in Shwe Bon Thar and Htan Ta Pin Pyu villages of Pauk Township have been drafted for military training, with each household required to send at least one person. According to local sources, over 20 men in Shwe Bon Thar have been undergoing continuous training since February.
“After completing training, they are given carbines and assigned to guard duty. On non-training days, they are tasked with clearing areas in front of the bunkers or reinforcing them, depending on the orders of the day. Training pauses during such tasks,” a member of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) told MPA.
Before the coup, Shwe Bon Thar village had a population of over 1,000, but now only around 300 residents remain. Among them, more than 50 Pyu Saw Htee members and about 15 soldiers are reportedly stationed there.
“The reinforcements depend on the activity of the PDFs. If there is significant movement on our side, more troops come from Htan Ta Pin and Su Poke Khon villages,” said Ko Nagar Lay, a local from Pauk.
The training program lasts for over a month, with soldiers from Battalion 24 reportedly conducting Pyu training in Shwe Bon Thar.
“They mostly train younger individuals, sparing older villagers. Some of the younger ones who refuse to join the Pyu Saw Htee militia have already fled. However, the number of those being forced into training has been rising. Right now, training is happening in Shwe Bon Thar, and if you hide near the village, you can hear the sounds of military drills,” said a PDF member.
Htan Ta Pin village previously had over 70 households, all known to be military supporters. After the coup, additional pro-military residents from other villages moved in. Soldiers from Pauk Town have conducted Pyu Saw Htee training there twice.
“Since Htan Ta Pin is close to Pauk, training is easily arranged. There are also about 10 soldiers stationed in the village. It has always been a military stronghold. They’ve completed two weekly training sessions, and participants include not just Htan Ta Pin residents but also people from Moe Kaung, Su Poke Khon, and Tha Yet Taw villages,” Ko Nagar Lay explained.
Villagers who wish to avoid Pyu Saw Htee training are reportedly required to pay a fee to junta troops.
“Those who can afford to pay are exempt from attending. The amount varies slightly, but it’s usually around four to five hundred thousand kyats,” said a PDF member.
Shwe Bon Thar and Htan Ta Pin villages are adjacent, separated by a small stream named ‘Kyaw.’
Editor – ML
Translator – Alice Wai
