File Photo: While compiling lists of residents by military council troops in a refugee camp
Mizzima
The Myanmar junta is reportedly compiling lists for military service in Myawaddy, Hpa-an, Hlaingbwe, and Thantaunggyi townships in Karen State, according to residents. Since the second week of March, the military regime has conducted a census and gathered lists for military service in wards and villages across these townships.
A resident from Thantaunggyi said, “The people from the interfaith committee were called upon last week to assist in gathering these lists, particularly in Thantaunggyi where pastors and religious leaders hold significant influence.”
Similarly, junta-appointed ward administrators were reportedly collecting lists in various villages and wards, including No (3) Ward, No (5) Ward, and Aung Myin Shwe Bon in Myawaddy Township, as well as several wards in Hpa-An Township on 27 and 28 March.
“It has long been collecting the list in No (5), No (3), and Hay Mhan Oo wards, forcibly filling in people’s military service forms. The list was also collected in Aung Myin Shwe Bon on 28 March. Only boys are to fill the forms while excluding girls,” said a female resident from Myawaddy.
“We will not serve in the military. We will join the resistance forces,” said a young adult from Myawaddy.
The townships where the junta is gathering these lists for military service are under military regime control and have not experienced battles. Conversely, Kawkareik, Hpa-pun, and Kyain Seik Gyi Townships, which are not under junta control, have not had lists collected.
Currently, the military situation between the military regime and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in Thingannyinaung, Kawkareik, and Hpa-pun in Karen State has escalated, leading to daily airstrikes and significant artillery attacks by junta troops.
Residents have reported that due to the junta’s efforts to gather lists for military service, many young adults from Hpa-an, Hlaingbwe, and Myawaddy have left for Thailand to seek employment.
