Local administrative authorities under the military council are actively recruiting to meet a recruitment target of 50 young people for military service in Hkamti, Sagaing Region, according to residents.
According to Hkamti residents, the military junta’s forces have been continuously arresting youths in August until they reach their target of 50 recruits for military service. Among those arrested are three women.
A local from Hkamti said: “I heard that it is the district administrator’s own directive to forcibly recruit 50 people from Hkamti Township. I heard that they already have over 20 now.”
In order to fulfil the quota of 50 young people, house-to-house guest list checks are being carried and arrests are being made, residents say.
A source close to the township administrative office also said that they also arrest youths involved in ongoing cases at the Hkamti police station, as well as those found in gambling or drinking circles.
Two locals from Lahe Township who applied for a travel permit from the township administration office were also arrested on 15 August, according to people close to the arrestees.
A relative of one of the arrestees said, “They wanted to apply for a travel permit to work in the gold mines amid economic hardship. Instead of granting the permits, they were told to wait and then they were taken away by the army. When a brother went to check, they had both disappeared. Only their motorcycle and raincoat were still there. The administration office did not give a clear explanation when asked”
An eyewitness reports that the military junta transports the arrested youths every day at around 4am in military vehicles in the direction of Homalin and then takes them away in express watercraft.
“In the morning, I saw three military vehicles driving towards the express boat pier. When these vehicles passed by, even the market-goers hid. At that time, I was afraid that they might take me too if they saw me,” the witness said.
The main route between Hkamti and Homalin is via the Chindwin River waterway.
According to local sources, in the first batch of military recruits from Hkamti, over 20 people were drafted for military service, including both volunteers and those selected by lot.
According to reports, on the morning of 29 February, a public discussion on the People’s Military Service Law was held in the meeting room of the District General Administration Department in Hkamti.
Sent by NMG.
