Residents stated that the military council is arresting young people in Pwintbyu Township, Magway Region, claiming security concerns as a pretext to enlist them for military service.
Since the last week of December, the military council has reinforced its presence throughout Pwintbyu Township. They have been conducting interrogations and inspections of young people.
A local said, “They mainly arrest pedestrians. When they arrest someone, it’s not just a simple arrest—they always find a reason to detain them. Afterward, they inform the youths that they’ve passed a medical test. Those who pass the test have no choice but to join the military.”
The junta has arrested at least 14 youths in Pwintbyu Township for military service. According to residents, only two were released after failing the medical test.
According to residents, the military council has deployed additional troops, some of whom are unable to speak or understand the Burmese language.
A local said, “Three soldiers dressed in military uniforms came to the market. They don’t understand the Myanmar language, and I don’t know which language they were speaking. Their appearance doesn’t resemble the ethnic groups here.”
The military council is deploying these soldiers along the Pathein-Monywa road section, where there are frequent clashes between the military council and the defense forces.
According to residents, the military council is conducting round-the-clock surprise checks and carrying out raids in the bushes of Pwintbyu Township every day.
Sent by Than Lwin Times
