Mizzima
Since the military conscription law was put into effect, the Myanmar junta has been gathering population data nationwide and dispatching letters of summons to enlist certain young men for military duty in Naypyidaw, residents from the capital say.
On 13 March, a summons was delivered by the village head to four people in their twenties residing in Zalaung (North) Village, Oattara Thiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, as relayed by a villager from Zalaung (North).
“The village head mentioned they would conduct a discussion immediately, summoning only those four young adults in our village. There’s a possibility that boys from neighbouring villages may also be called upon. Presently, we are aware of the summons, but its exact purpose, whether for list compilation or registration, remains unknown,” the villager said.
The four young adults visited the Township Administration Office at 9 am on 14 March and had not returned by noon, according to a local source.
According to local residents, the summoning letters state that failure to comply will result in prosecution under the military service law.
Residents asserted that, besides Zalaung (North) Village, similar summonses were also dispatched to Zalaung (South) Village and Ngansat Village.
Also, residents from Zabuthiri Township and Tatkon Township, Naypyidaw, have reported that the junta is presently conducting a population census while also issuing summonses to the residents.
Moreover, apart from Naypyidaw, reports indicate that the military regime is compiling lists for military service in the townships of Yangon, Mandalay, and Ayeyarwady. Allegedly, forms for providing personal information have been delivered to Ward Administration offices.
Those listed for military service receive the forms through ward administrators and are reportedly under pressure to refrain from traveling and to submit regular reports, according to some family members included in the military service list.
The military conscription law was activated by the junta on 10 February. They have announced that recruitment of military trainees will commence after the Thingyan water festival in April of this year, with 5,000 recruits per batch, aiming for a total of 60,000 recruits annually.
