According to the Malai Town Public Information Network, the military forces have blocked exit routes from Malai Town in Mandalay Region and forcibly recruited approximately 100 young people as porters. The incident began on July 10th in the afternoon when military council members dressed in civilian clothes and Pyu Saw Htee members simultaneously conducted raids in about ten locations throughout the town. All detained youth were taken to the Township General Administration Office, and their families have been denied any contact with them. Following these events, civilian movement in the town has completely ceased, with only military council troops remaining on the streets, while local residents are reportedly living in extreme fear.
According to a representative from the Malai Town Public Information Network, the military council troops blocked all town exits and inner road junctions, with about seven soldiers providing security while those in civilian clothes carried out the arrests. They specifically targeted young people during the evening market closing times and after work hours, indiscriminately arresting any youth they encountered on the streets. These forced recruitments have severely disrupted daily civilian life and brought business activities to a halt, with particular concern rising for the safety of young people in the area. The military council’s presence continues at village road exits from Malai Town, strictly limiting civilian movement.
The ongoing human rights violations by the military forces have made daily life increasingly difficult for local residents, with families particularly distressed about the targeting and detention of young people. There is significant concern about the fate of those detained, as there is no information about where they will be taken or what will happen to them. The military’s actions have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the town, with normal daily activities severely restricted and families unable to contact their detained relatives. The situation continues to deteriorate as military forces maintain their presence at strategic points around the town, effectively cutting off normal civilian movement and creating a state of constant anxiety among the local population.
