Two young men who have been selected by drawing lots for compulsory military service in Kangyidaunt and Pyapon Townships in Ayeyarwady Region committed suicide by drinking poison, locals confirmed.
On 16 March, the youths were selected through a military draft lottery in Yaydwinchaung village in Myatlaychaung village-tract in Kangyidaunt Township. A 20-year-old man who won draft lottery committed suicide by drinking poison as he was not willing to serve in the army, locals said.
“That is true. This village is a bit far from my village. He drank poison and died while receiving medical treatment at Pathein Hospital,” a local from Kangyidaunt said.
The young man was taken to Kangyidaunt Hospital as he was in critical condition. Then, he was transferred to Pathein People’s Hospital and died on the evening of 17 March while receiving medical treatment.
Likewise, youths had to draw lots for the military service, in a village in Pyapon Township on 16 March. An 18-year-old youth who won the draft lottery committed suicide by drinking poison, villagers close to the victim said.
“Yes, he was dead. I can’t reveal the name of the village and the victim due to the safety of the victim’s family. The military council is making an investigation into the case. They are afraid. Now they are safe,” said a local from Pyapon.
Similarly, the men aged 24-35 in Kyonetaingkalay village-tract in Pantanaw Township had to draw lots. A man from Asugyi village who won conscription lottery committed suicide by drinking poison. Members of Zayathlagyi police station and the administrative body had to deal with the protest in the village. It has not yet been independently confirmed.
Since the third week of March, relevant administrators and community elders have started forcing youths aged 20-35 in townships of Ayeyarwady Region, to draw lots for mandatory military service under the People’s Military Service Law, locals said.
Sent by Narinjara