Nearly 50 young people attempting to leave for Thailand and Malaysia through illegal routes in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, have been arrested by the military and sent to recruitment centers as forced conscripts. According to relatives of some of the arrested youth who spoke to Yangon Modern News Agency, this incident occurred on July 7th when these young people were trying to escape from under military rule. The mother of one of the detained youths confirmed that their sons were taken to military recruitment centers via the Yebyu Township police station.
While some of the arrested youth were reportedly sent to Infantry Battalion 273, parents have been unable to establish contact with their children. The police have confirmed that all detained youth will be forcibly recruited into military service. The military council has implemented a special operation to arrest young people attempting to flee to Malaysia and Thailand, establishing joint inspection teams in Yebyu Township consisting of military personnel, police, administrative officials, and militia members.
This forced military conscription represents one of many human rights violations by the military council and violates international law. Young people are attempting to flee abroad due to loss of job opportunities and security threats under military rule. However, the military council is forcibly recruiting them to increase their military strength. The systematic arrest and forced conscription of youth attempting to escape the country reflects the military council’s ongoing oppression of civilians, particularly young people seeking better opportunities and safety abroad.
