Youths in Yangon fear arrests amid forced military recruitment drive

Mizzima

Young people in some townships in Yangon are worried about arrests related to forced military service, according to local residents.

Residents said that youths who are within the age range for military conscription are living in fear as arrests have been taking place in several townships across Yangon.

At around 5:00 am on 18 May, in a ward in Mingaladon Township, soldiers reportedly arrested people who had received conscription notices but failed to report for service, a local man told Mizzima.

“They stormed into houses around 5 am in large numbers. Even offering money could not stop them from taking people away. Those who were arrested had already been ordered to serve in the military but had not yet gone,” he said.

He added that following the incident, many young people in the neighbourhood are worried that they could be targeted next.

A resident from eastern Dagon Myothit Township also said that arrests are occurring almost every night in local neighbourhoods.

“They arrived in cars and took away young people. Some were dragged out of their homes, while others were seized on the streets. It is happening almost every night,” the resident said.

According to the Rangoon Scout Network, arrests linked to forced recruitment have also been reported in several Yangon townships, including North Okkalapa, Thaketa, and Hlaing townships.