Some conscription training schools reopened, forced conscription activities increased

YANGON – The Myanmar military has reopened some of its conscription training schools, which had been closed due to casualties in battles and increasing manpower shortages, and is accepting and training new recruits, according to sources. It was learned from MDSI that the No. 10 Infantry Division (TTC 10) based in Kale city and the No. 13 Infantry Division (TTC 13) based in Thabeikkyin township have been reopened, starting from the 27th batch of conscripts. "Previously, they would round up people as a week was about to start. Now, they are grabbing people by any means necessary. Even in the heart of the city, they stop cars and drag people away. Even military officers are now involved in gangs that round up people and smuggle them," a Yangon resident told the Irrawaddy Times. The military has opened a total of 27 conscription training schools across the country, and currently, 24 schools are regularly accepting and training recruits who have been forcibly rounded up. It was also learned that the 28th batch opened on September 7. Furthermore, those who attempt to escape from conscription training schools are arrested and punished, and upon recapture, severe torture leads to deaths and injuries. To meet the conscription quota, gangs that round up people, kidnap them, and extort money have emerged due to pressure from successive authorities and profit-seeking. On the other hand, the military continues to arbitrarily arrest passersby and residents of various townships for various reasons. Between September 7 and 13, no less than 38 residents from 10 townships in Yangon Region, including Kon Gyi, San Chaung, Dawbon, Bo Ta Htaw, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Mayangon, North Dagon, North Okkalapa, Hlaing, and Insein, were arrested. Of these, 34 were arrested indiscriminately while walking on the street or being on the roadside, 2 were arrested after being checked on the street, 1 was lured away by deception, and the remaining 1 was searched and arrested at their home. In addition, there were reports of no less than 19 residents from 8 townships, including Kamayut, San Chaung, Tamwe, Dawbon, Mayangon, North Okkalapa, Hlaing Thar Yar, and Thanlyin, being arrested between September 4 and 6. Former military leader and President Min Aung Hlaing has stated that the conscription law will continue to be enforced, and the military is openly carrying out forced arrests of young people. Photo: MDSI