The military junta is forcing more than 100 Chin people from about 10 villages in Ann Township in Arakan State to serve in the military, according Ann residents.
Both the soldiers and village administrators have put pressure on residents from Chin villages such as Sin Khon Taing, Pat Kway, Kyet Yay Kyun, Pein Yae San and Taung Sauk along the Minbu-Ann road to enlist, the locals said.
“They came to our village twice and told us that we must enlist. Because there are not many people left in the village,” said a local man from Ann.
The junta has demanded about 20 people from Taung Sauk, 20 from Pat Kway, 10 from Kyet Yay Kyun, 10 from Pein Yae San, 10 from Ka Myin Kan and 20 from Sin Khon Taing, among others, to serve in the military.
Most of the locals have fled to safer areas due to fierce fighting between the junta and Arakan Army (AA) in Ann Township.
“They are calling for military service. They have even made lists, but any has joined the army yet. Almost everyone has fled. We don’t know what will happen,” said a woman from Ann.
Faced with losses on several battlefronts across the country, the junta enforced the People’s Military Service Law on 10 February 2024. The law requires all adults to serve in the military and aims to boost troop numbers.
“In junta-controlled areas, they have forced people into military service. People can’t really defy the power-wielding junta. They have nowhere to run,” said a Chin youth.
The military junta is threatening and coercing locals, especially young people, in townships under its control in Arakan State to enlist for military service, driving many to flee.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)