A tragic incident in Sinpin village, Ingapu Township, Ayeyarwady Region has highlighted another case of human rights violations by the military regime. Village administrator U Soe arranged for his own nephew to be forcibly conscripted into military service under the pretext of being an alcoholic. The military collected the young man on June 14 for Training Batch 14, only to return his corpse two days later on the morning of June 16. The victim’s body was covered in bruises and injuries, showing clear signs of severe beating and torture.
While the military initially claimed that the death was caused by drinking pure alcohol without diluting it with water, a soldier later revealed the truth. The victim had reportedly made some remarks while intoxicated, which led to multiple soldiers beating him severely, resulting in his death. The bereaved family, fearing military retaliation, was unable to file any complaints and had to accept the military’s explanation before proceeding with the funeral. This incident has exposed the brutal treatment of conscripts within the military’s training programs and the complete lack of accountability for such actions.
Ingapu Township has become a focal point for forced military recruitment and porter service, with the military using the potential presence of the Arakan Army (AA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) as justification. According to local residents, the military is employing various methods to forcibly recruit young people, often using village administrators as intermediaries to identify and collect potential recruits. This systematic practice of forced conscription has created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among local communities, with families worried about their children potentially facing similar fates. The incident has further highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses by the military regime and the helplessness of civilians who are unable to seek justice or protection from such violations.
