Junta Using Multiple Tactics to Forcibly Conscript Youth in Dawei

July 7, 2025

HURFOM: In Dawei, the military junta is intensifying efforts to forcibly conscript young people into military service through a range of aggressive tactics. Local residents report that junta forces—including police, soldiers, Pyu Saw Htee militia, ten-household leaders, and plainclothes informants—are conducting street patrols, house inspections, and guest list checks to identify and detain eligible youth.

On July 5th, junta personnel stopped vehicles and inspected mobile phones on the streets of Dawei, arresting individuals for various alleged reasons, according to an eyewitness. Days earlier, on July 2nd at around 11 p.m., a 20-year-old man from Hnin Si Road in Pain Nae Taw Ward was taken during a door-to-door inspection focused on guest lists and household registrations.

“They go street by street, door to door, checking house numbers and household documents. If they find young men, they hand over a single-page conscription notice and take them away immediately,” said a concerned resident from Dawei.

Families of those arrested have been trying to locate their loved ones by contacting junta bases and police stations. However, as of July 6th, no official information had been provided, leaving families distressed and without answers.

Local sources say that lists of young men eligible for military service have already been submitted to the junta. Residents have been warned that if they do not respond to summonses, ten-household leaders and ward authorities will come to their homes and arrest them directly.

“In recent days, at least four young people were taken from Dawei. Their families are still searching for them with no luck. We’re telling youth to be extremely cautious when they go outside,” said a local woman.

Another young man was reportedly taken during guest list inspections in San Chi Ward on the night of July 2nd.

Fearing arrest and forced conscription, many youth are fleeing to Thailand. In response, the junta has ordered ward authorities to intensify home visits and roundups, targeting those who might have previously slipped through the cracks.

Although the Military Service Law officially states that conscription must follow a registration and notification process, the junta has ignored these procedures. Instead, it has detained returnees from Thailand and travelers, forcing them into military service. Former conscripts who later joined resistance groups confirmed that arbitrary arrests and forced enlistment are now commonplace.

Since March 2024, the junta has continued conscription training without pause. By June 2025, they had reached the 14th batch of forcibly recruited trainees.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News