The military council has begun arresting and summoning young people for the 12th batch of military service in various townships across Magway and Bago Regions, particularly in Aunglan Township, Magwe Township, and Pyay Township. In Aunglan Township, Pyusawthi leader Myint Lwin (retired warrant officer) has announced that 60 young people must be recruited for military service in April. The authorities have started notifying selected individuals to prepare for training after the Thingyan festival, instructing them to pack necessary clothing and medicine.
In March, a similar recruitment drive in Aunglan Township resulted in 60 young people being recruited, with some being arbitrarily arrested and forcibly sent to military training schools. Meanwhile, in Wakhteikan East’s Taloppin group in Pyay Township, Bago Region, administrator Than Zaw has demanded 70 million kyats per group for the 12th batch of military service, with each household required to contribute 30,000 kyats. The administrator has promised exemption from porter duties for those who pay these fees. In Magwe Township’s Thetayakauk and Myingyin areas, authorities have also begun forcibly recruiting young people as porters and conducting arrests.
Despite the recent earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, affecting areas including Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw, the military council has not suspended its recruitment activities. The continuous forced recruitment campaign demonstrates the military council’s determination to maintain its conscription efforts regardless of the natural disaster’s impact on affected communities. Local residents have expressed concern about the military council’s priorities, as they continue to focus on military recruitment while many areas are still dealing with earthquake damage and humanitarian needs.
