Myanmar’s junta has started conscription in Mandalay Region for its 12th batch of military recruits.
The junta has a list of eligible individuals aged 18 to 35, using a lottery system to determine who gets conscripted.
Earlier this month, parents in Mandalay Region were forced to sign declarations agreeing to draw lots and voluntarily send their children to administrative offices if selected or face jail under the Conscription Law.
On Monday, forced lotteries for the 12th round were held in townships including Maha Aung Myay, Aungmyaythazan, Chanayethazan, Pyigyitagon Chanmyathazi and Patheingyi townships.
Residents report growing desperation and anxiety as the junta’s tactics become increasingly coercive.
“We heard that if your name is drawn in the lottery, they’ll take you for training immediately. And the current practices in Mandalay will likely become standard across the country until the junta is defeated,” a Mandalay resident said.
Eyewitnesses and family members describe armed military personnel, Pyu Saw Htee militias and police overseeing the process, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
“Our son is our only hope and future. But his name was drawn in the lottery and he will be sent down a path of no return,” a 65-year-old mother in Patheingyi said.
On Sunday, loudspeaker announcements in Mandalay Region compelled men to attend selection lotteries. Ward administrators and junta militia members made the announcements.
“They arrived at night under the guise of guest registration checks. They compiled a list by asking about the ages of men for military service,” said an Aungmyaythazan resident.
“No one can avoid it. If someone tries to flee and is caught, they will be jailed.”
Arbitrary arrests have surged in the past two months, often disguised as guest registration checks. On January 17, the Mandalay General Strike Committee reported that over 120 men were forcibly abducted in seven townships within two weeks.
These abductions, frequently occurring at night and targeting working-class homes are often accompanied by phone inspections and alleged extortion.
Training for the 11th batch of conscripts began at the junta’s regional command headquarters around Myanmar on Monday.
The regime activated the Conscription Law in February last year and started training in April.
“It’s more dangerous now than ever. They’re openly recruiting. These administrators’ actions are acts of oppression and we have no one to protect our children from being recruited by the junta,” said a resident.
This article is supported by the Transition Promotion Programme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
