MYANMAR – After the terrorist junta council enacted the civilian conscription act, village and ward administration officers in Bago and Ayeyarwaddy Divisions demanded exorbitant increases in fees they have been collecting, according to residents.
Administration Officer Tin Maung Swe from Taunggyokone Village, Innma, Thaekone Township, Bago reportedly asked from 500,000 Kyats from households with young people among the age range for military conscription and the residents had to pawn properties to pay the fees while the administration officer would turn the people who can’t afford to pay in to the junta forces.
In addition, young people in the village were made to draw lots for conscription and those who were selected were told to pay 70 lakhs if they don’t want to serve in the army. As a result, young people in the villages are also said to be fleeing.
“Administration Officer Tin Maung Swe from Taunggyokone Village in Innma told the young people eligible to be conscripted to pay 500,000 Kyats each. They were also told to draw lots for conscription and those who were selected were told to pay up to 70 lakhs if they don’t want to join the army. The people have to pawn their properties to be able to pay while those who can’t afford to pay had to flee because they were reported to the junta forces,” said a resident.
Similarly, Administration Officer Than Soe of Sinninpin Village Tract in Gyobinkauk Township, Bago Division also demanded 100,000 Kyats from the households with conscription eligible young people starting January and threatened to turn in those who don’t pay to the junta forces.
In Letpandan Township as well, Administration Officer Aung Swe Min of Gwaytaukkwin Village Tract collected 60,000 Kyats from households with young people and 30,000 Kyats from households without starting January then reported the households that didn’t pay to the junta forces, causing the young people to flee.
In Ayeyarwaddy Division, Administration Officer Nwe Nwe Win of Phayakone Village, Ngataichaung Township is said to have collected 90,000 Kyats from households with young people and 30,000 Kyats from households whose members are all over 35.
