Myanmar Junta and Allied Militia Abduct Nearly 200 Youths for Forced Conscription in Kachin State
Myanmar Junta forces and an allied ethnic militia have abducted nearly 200 young people for forced military conscription across Putao and Machanbaw townships in Kachin State, releasing only nine individuals so far, according to local sources.
The roundup campaign—launched on September 10 by junta troops and the Tangutan-led Rawang militia—has targeted young residents in urban neighborhoods, rural villages, and local gold-mining sites.
Sources close to the militia reported that around 190 youths had been detained as of September 23.
Of those captured, only nine have been freed.
Eight were released because severe drug addiction rendered them unfit for military service, while one—the son of a local village administrator—was released after his family paid a ransom of 20 million Myanmar kyats (MMK) [approx. $5,000–$6,000 USD].
"One was freed after his family paid 20 million MMK, which was only possible because of his father's position," a local resident told KNG. "Families of other abductees have no way to negotiate. The other eight were heavily addicted to drugs and considered unfit. None of the able-bodied youths have been released."
Junta forces and militia leaders have refused bribes for the remaining detainees and barred families from contacting them.
Sources indicate that approximately 100 abductees have already been airlifted out of northern Kachin State. Many were sent to military training centers in lower Myanmar, while others were deployed as forced porters to frontline combat zones in Khaunglanhpu Township and areas near the Myanmar-China border.
According to military sources, the junta in Naypyidaw instructed Putao-based Infantry Battalion 46 and Machanbaw-based Infantry Battalion 137 to forcibly draft up to 2,500 youths from the two townships.
To meet these quotas, security forces are conducting nightly patrols and raids. In urban areas, military vehicles target young men aged 15 to 30 who venture outside after 8:00 p.m., while police and militia members use unmarked civilian vehicles to raid outlying villages and mining camps.
The ongoing recruitment drive follows the military regime's activation of its dormant 2010 Conscription Law in February 2024, which has triggered widespread forced enlistments and abductions across Myanmar.
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