Junta sends Dawei conscripts to military training via waterway

In Dawei, the capital of Myanmar’s southernmost Tanintharyi Region, the junta is transporting young men drafted for military service to training via waterway.

During the current clear-weather period following the rainy season, the junta is promoting large-scale festivities in Dawei while simultaneously intensifying abductions of young people for conscription.

“Dawei has been holding a series of lively night time festivals and events lately. But at the same time, young men returning from these gatherings have been abducted. Once someone is taken, it’s nearly impossible to secure their release. In some cases, soldiers have even gone directly to the homes of those targeted for conscription. These young people are then sent by waterway through Myeik City to the training depot in Palauk Town. I’ve both heard about and witnessed these transports over the past few days,” a woman from Dawei said.