The Myanmar junta intends to enlist 260 men in the first batch for military service in the Tanintharyi Region, with training expected to commence in April.
Reportedly, the junta has selected 260 people from 10 townships across Dawei District, Myeik District, and Kawthaung District, where health assessments are being conducted. Most of the selected people are said to be from Myeik Township, according to local residents.
“I submitted the names of selected people to the general administration office for medical examinations,” said the head of a hundred households from Myeik Township.
On 28 March, over 80 people from Myeiktaung Village Tract, Myeik Township, underwent medical evaluations at the junta’s military hospital. Similar health screenings are also taking place in various wards in Kawthaung Township, as reported by residents and some heads of households.
An official from the Tanintharyi region’s people’s military service committee disclosed that training for the first group of military recruits is scheduled for April.
According to reports from revolutionary forces and local residents, the list of people enlisted in the military primarily comprises of members of Pyu Saw Htee families, people coerced into
service, winners from raffle draws, and those replaced through bribery to administrators.
“Some people have fled to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, while others have sought refuge in liberated areas or joined revolutionary forces. Unfortunately, we cannot assist those who have fallen into the hands of the junta, and the regime is pitting people against each other,” said Ko Sai Nyi, a news and information officer with
the Southern Brothers Army (SBA) based in Tanintharyi.
Following the enactment of the Military Conscription Law on 10 February, the people’s military service board has been summoning young adults from various states and regions, including Naypyidaw and Yangon, to register their identification cards and participate in lottery drawings.
The military regime has announced plans to recruit 5,000 people per batch, totaling 60,000 recruits annually.