Local residents from Ka+Kha Ward in Insein Township, Yangon Region, have reported that the ward administration team is collecting monthly fees of 50,000 kyats per household for military service selection of young people. On April 6, a military service-related meeting was held in the ward to discuss the selection process for the upcoming 12th batch of military service. The ward administrator presented two options: either a lottery system or a paid substitute system for selecting young people for military service.
Following the meeting, on April 9, the ward administration team began collecting 50,000 kyats from each household. While other wards in the area are collecting only 15,000 to 20,000 kyats per month as military service fees, residents of Ka+Kha Ward are concerned about the significantly higher amount being collected in their area. Although the ward administrator has promised to find substitutes, they have arranged for community elders to handle the financial transactions.
A local resident revealed that people do not prefer the lottery system due to fears of their children being selected. While they opted for the substitute system, the amount being collected is considered excessive. Residents are forced to contribute despite their reluctance, fearing potential problems if they refuse. Currently, there has been an increase in nighttime arrests of young people by administrative authorities and police for porter duty, guest registration checks, and military service summons throughout Insein Township.
