In earthquake-affected Mandalay’s Maharaungmye Township, local ward administrators and residents report that military authorities are demanding two young recruits from each ward for the 13th military service batch. The recruitment drive for the upcoming May intake requires two youths per ward throughout Maharaungmye Township, with authorities claiming they are requesting minimum numbers due to the recent earthquake impact. The conscription notices have been issued across various areas including Ward 8, Seinpan Shae Ward, between 41-82, 39-82, 81-82 streets, and in areas such as Wetsu, Nawarat Su, and Kyetsu quarters.
A ward administration member from Maharaungmye Township revealed that while many administrative staff are reluctant to participate in recruitment efforts during this time of earthquake-related hardship, military and police forces are conducting direct raids in residential areas to arrest potential recruits. Meanwhile, in Myaungchaukone Village, Lwazin Group, Oaktwin Township of Bago Region’s Thayawady District, village administrator Than Lwin, who is also a member of the military-backed USDP party, is demanding 300,000 kyats per household as a military service fee for the upcoming May intake. This amount represents a significant increase from previous months when fees were in the tens of thousands, causing severe financial hardship for local residents.
Local sources report that residents are being threatened with forced military service or arrest if they fail to pay the demanded fees. The military council has been consistently conducting monthly military training courses, having completed twelve batches from May 2024 to April 2025, and is now preparing for the thirteenth batch. The systematic nature of these recruitment drives and the increasing financial demands placed on civilians demonstrate the military council’s continued pressure on the population, particularly affecting communities already struggling with natural disasters and economic hardship.
