Myanmar’s military regime is moving forward with its military conscription efforts, as reported by state media on Tuesday, showcasing video footage of new recruits being transported to training centers nationwide.
The junta, facing extensive resistance since its 2021 coup, is struggling to quell dissent and maintain control after overturning the country’s democratic experiment, plunging Myanmar into a state of unrest.
In February, the military announced its intention to implement a law mandating the conscription of all men aged 18-35, resulting in long queues of individuals seeking visas outside foreign embassies in Yangon.
During a visit to Yangon on Monday, Junta’s second-in-command Soe Win was briefed on the systematic selection process for conscripts, as reported by the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
According to state broadcaster MRTV, the first group of recruits commenced training in April, while recruits from the second batch have recently begun arriving at their designated training camps.
MRTV aired a montage showcasing footage of men from various locations across the country marching in formation to their training centers, some escorted by soldiers or marching bands. Groups of women and soldiers formed tunnels to greet some recruits with flowers or garlands.
Notably, one group of men was seen wearing identical T-shirts with “Natmauk” printed on the back, representing the hometown of Aung San, a revered figure in Myanmar’s military history.
Upon arrival at the training centers, recruits from the second batch underwent medical examinations and received provisions, including military equipment and financial stipends, as outlined by MRTV.
The military service law, initiated by a previous junta in 2010, empowers the military to conscript men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 for a minimum of two years. This service term can be extended up to five years during a state of emergency, which the junta has repeatedly extended since seizing power.
Despite reports of young men being forcibly taken off the streets for military training, the junta has refuted such claims.
The aftermath of the 2021 coup has reignited conflicts with ethnic minority armed groups and led to the emergence of numerous pro-democracy “People’s Defence Forces” engaged in skirmishes with the military nationwide, resulting in widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.
