Compulsory conscription law creates chaos in Mon State

March 20, 2024

HURFOM: On March 13th, 2024, the military junta called a meeting of village/ ward Administrators in Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State and instructed them to select 100 young men to join compulsory military service.

Based on the population of a village, the Administrator must select from two to ten young men/village and send their list to the junta no later than March 20, 2024.

Meanwhile, the New Mon State Party (AD – Anti Military Dictatorship) and other revolutionary forces said they would punish every Administrator who forced villagers to join compulsory military service.

“None of the young men and their parents like the compulsory conscription law. The NMSP (AD) and other revolutionary forces have released statements and stood with the young population. This action has motivated us a lot,” said a young man.

After the statement by the revolutionary forces, some Administrators from Northern Ye Township have resigned from their duties.

The young men are worried about the compulsory military service rule and have fled to liberated areas controlled by the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO). Many young men have also fled to neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia via illegal routes.

The loss of people is leading to a labor shortage on plantations, farms, and in the construction and fishing industry.

“Only the old and children are left in our villages as all young men are fleeing abroad,” said a woman from the Kan Bauk area, Yebyu Township.

There have also been hardships experienced in charity and social groups such as blood donation groups and free cremation service.

“It is difficult to get blood as there are no young men who can donate blood. It’s challenging to run the organization for the long term,” said a source.

The junta’s compulsory conscription law has created worry and fear among the young population and their parents but now is also having a socioeconomic impact on communities.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News