Combating Myanmar forced conscription programme crucial, says NUG minister Yee Mon

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Combating Myanmar forced conscription programme crucial, says NUG minister Yee Mon

September 15, 2026

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Union Minister for Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG), Yee Mon, stated that combating the military junta’s forced conscription scheme, known as the National Service (NS) programme, is a vital task for the revolution, requiring the active cooperation and participation of the public and eligible youth.

Defense Minister Yee Mon made these remarks during a talk show programme on conscription, military affairs, and the revolution with prominent activist Min Ko Naing.

Yee Mon noted that although the conscription scheme is unlikely to become a fully effective combat force for the military junta, the failure of this programme represents a major vulnerability for the regime.

“If the conscription forces and the scheme collapse, it will be very interesting to see what the military junta will do next. Dismantling this conscription scheme will be a crucial task for the revolution. For this endeavour, it is essential that both our public and eligible youth cooperate and participate,” Yee Mon said.

It is understood that the NUG has invited youth facing the threat of forced conscription by the junta to seek refuge in revolutionary territories. Arrangements have been made for these youths to access education, employment, and opportunities in fields of their interest upon arrival.

For young people who wish to take up combat duties, arrangements will be made for them to join the People’s Defense Force (PDF) or local People’s Defense Organizations (PDO / Pa-Ka-Pha), Yee Mon said.

He added that those who do not wish to perform combat duties will be facilitated to participate in teaching children in revolutionary areas, community healthcare, assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs), public services, development projects, and production sectors.

Furthermore, Yee Mon stated that advocacy efforts are underway to urge overseas Myanmar community organizations to assist, as much as possible, those who defected from the conscription scheme or took refuge in revolutionary areas to avoid conscription, should they wish to travel abroad.

Since the forced conscription scheme serves as a lifeline for the military junta, it is imperative to dismantle it through various methods, an effort that is currently being executed on the battlefield, Yee Mon remarked.