Local sources and family members of those arrested have confirmed that military council forces have detained over 600 young people across Taunggyi Township in Bago Region for the 16th military service intake. Since August 1, the military and Pyu Saw Htee groups have been arresting more than 50 youths daily at various checkpoints around Taunggyi, citing different reasons. They have also been conducting night raids on homes within the city and arresting travelers under the pretext of having VPN installations on their mobile phones.
At checkpoints including Chapaung Gate, Sittaung Bridge Gate, Four Mile checkpoint, and other entry/exit points of the city, dozens of young people are being arrested daily. All those detained are being held at Taunggyi No. 5 School. Among those arrested was Saw Kyaw Htoo, age 34, from Kyauk Taing village tract, who was detained while purchasing medicine for his parents. He was accused of buying diabetes and gastric medication for the PDF when he attempted to purchase a five-month supply of the medicines.
Similar situations are occurring in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region, where the village administrator and committee members of Sakangyi village tract are collecting military service fees of up to 150,000 kyats per month from households with youth eligible for military service. They are threatening to conscript those who cannot pay the fees. Previously, they collected only 30,000 kyats per household, but the increase to 150,000 kyats has become a significant burden for civilians who are already facing economic hardships. The military council has instructed township ex-servicemen recruitment teams to deliver young recruits to military training schools by August 15 for the 16th intake of military service.
