Women who are eligible for military service express disbelief over the Myanmar military council’s 20 February statement that women will not yet be called up for military service under the People’s Military Service Law.
A woman from Thanbyuzayat, who has reached the age for military service, said, “Their statements can change at any time. I am not sure whether to believe them or not. But for now, we have to be careful wherever we go.”
According to the 2019 intercensal survey, there are 13 million people in Myanmar who fall under the age for military service. Of them, only one percent of the more than six million men will be randomly recruited, and there are no plans yet to recruit women in the near future, junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said through their own media.
The military council’s statements change depending on the political situation, so it is not a reassuring situation, said women who are of age for military service.
Since the junta can recruit people from their household registrations without notice, it is important to be careful when they check household registrations, they said.
Hotline phone numbers should be prepared for emergency situations in addition to contacts with women’s rights organizations, a women’s rights activist said.
“The most important thing is that we can communicate. It’s about how to get in touch to know where you are, to not lose contact and to speak out together instead of enduring it alone when something happens. We are also planning activities to raise awareness of the issue,” she said.
She also encouraged the youths to connect and cooperate with civil society organizations helping youths escape to liberated areas in view of the draft law.
The military council announced on 10 February this year that the law, which requires all adult citizens to serve in the military, would come into force.
According to reports, not only young people who eligible for military service, but also young people of school age who are not yet of age are currently fleeing en masse to neighboring countries as a result of this law.
Sent by IMNA.