The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) faced protests in Mogoke, the northern Mandalay Region ruby town, after trying to conscript a man from every home.
Residents told The Irrawaddy that the armed group is planning to conscript men aged 18 to 45 from each household to form an armed force to protect the town.
“The ethnically Palaung army told a meeting of ward administrators that every household must send a man for military service. Residents are protesting against the plan,” a female resident told The Irrawaddy.
“After facing objections, they are abducting men in the streets. The TNLA treats people like the regime did,” she said.
TNLA-appointed ward administrators have reportedly resigned in protest and the group is also accused of forcibly recruiting women.
The TNLA allegedly threatened to fire on protesting residents. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
TNLA spokesman Lway Yay Oo did not respond to The Irrawaddy’s request for comment.
A male resident told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday: “They are demanding that residents defend the town themselves while we pay them taxes. It is unacceptable.”
Community representatives plan to send an official objection letter to the TNLA over the forced conscription.
The armed group and its allies liberated the ruby hub after 30 days of fighting in July last year. Residents said the TNLA took full control of the town and ignored its allies, including People’s Defense Forces.
The armed group is trying to ban residents from using the internet and phones, a source told The Irrawaddy.
The TNLA is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance that launched the anti-regime Operation 1027, liberating most of northern Shan State, including the capital Lashio, and vital trade routes with China.
