Chief Minister’s “conscription law” frighten local youth in Chaung Zone

February 28, 2024

HURFOM: The Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein has claimed that 47 young men from Chaung Zone Township, Mon State had to join military service in accordance with the conscription law. This news has created worry and fright among young people.

The Chief Minister met with sunflower farmers at Kalar Bee village, Chaung Zone Township on February 17. In the meeting, the minister said a young man from each of the 47 villages in the area must join the military service.

“So, no one knows who has to join military service. We must be careful with our movement. Now, no one goes outside at night. Young men are frightened of joining military service,” said a young man from Chaung Zone Township.

On February 22nd, 2024, the Chief of Township General Administration Department and government staff delivered “lobbying pamphlets” that spoke to the conscription law in the city and area villages.

“There are pro-military groups. The junta should select them first. Now, the junta has started to organize a campaign (for conscription law). But we don’t know how they select a young man per village track,” said another young man.

Since conscription law has come into force, young people in Mon State have run away to Thailand and Malaysia via illegal routes.

“We have two options – go to liberated areas (controlled by ethnic armed organizations) or go abroad. My parents want me to go abroad. As I can’t refuse them, so I’ve decided to go abroad,” said a high school student.

The military council enacted the conscription law on February 10th, 2024 and declared that men in the 18-35 age range and women in the 18-27 age range must join military service.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News