Mizzima
The junta authorities in Mandalay Region have increased inspections, searches and questioning of conscription-age youths who are trying to leave the region.
According to local sources, these increased inspections came into force on 15 March, after the junta had started compiling lists of people available for conscription in Mandalay Region.
Young people are being targeted at checkpoints on the borders of Mandalay Region. These include the Sagaing Bridge checkpoint, the Shwegyin checkpoint on the Mandalay to Mogok Highway, the 16-Mile checkpoint on the Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin Highway and the Myitnge checkpoint on the old Yangon-Mandalay Highway.
A resistance force source said: “The junta’s tightening of security and inspection of youths at certain exit gates in Mandalay is aimed at obstructing their path to Sagaing and Shan states, where resistance forces are stationed. This is an effort to prevent youths from joining the resistance. Despite these measures, there remain numerous other exits.”
A person living close to the Sagaing Bridge checkpoint said: “Junta soldiers are conducting thorough inspections of travelers’ phones and identification cards. This process is particularly rigorous for individuals aged 20 to 25, resulting in prolonged wait times.”
Since 11 March, the junta authorities in Mandalay Region have been summoning men aged 18 to 35 to attend public meetings about conscription. They have also been going door-to-door in some areas, compiling lists of those eligible for conscription.
According to local sources in Mandalay people who do not want to be conscripted are fleeing from their homes and joining the resistance forces.
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