NSO demands to stop forced conscription in Naga region, boycotts visit of junta-appointed Chief Minister

Photo – 8th Conference of the Naga Students Organisation (NSO). In protest against the forced conscription within the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region, the Naga Students Organisation (NSO) boycotted the welcome ceremony for the visit of junta-appointed Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Ko Lay to Lahe Township on July 19. Pa Hkwee (July 21) Mizzima. The Naga Students Organisation (NSO) has called for an end to forced conscription in the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region and peacefully boycotted the welcome ceremony for the visit of junta-appointed Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Ko Lay to Lahe Township, it has been learned. Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Ko Lay, a former military general, made his first visit to Lahe Township on July 19 to inspect regional development projects and road conditions, and the students boycotted this visit. A responsible official from the Naga Students Organisation (NSO) told Mizzima, "Our Naga region is peaceful, so we have already submitted a request to the previous Chief Minister not to forcibly recruit for military service, and we always consult with the Naga Regional Leading Body. We are boycotting this time because it is an order from above." According to the NSO, there is no exact list of Naga youths arrested for military service, but the majority of cases are occurring in Leshi Township, and many youths are being forcibly taken in Kantee and Homalin regions. The NSO has warned that this situation has led to a scarcity of young people in the towns, and if forced conscription continues, regional instability and conflicts could arise. The NSO has also announced that it has repeatedly urged the civilian-led military administration and regional authorities to halt forced conscription in order to maintain the peace and stability of the Naga region amidst the ongoing armed conflicts and political instability across the country. However, the NSO states that young people traveling for work, education, medical treatment, trade, and other legitimate purposes are still being arrested from checkpoints, roads, hotels, and even their homes and forcibly conscripted. Furthermore, a youth from Kyun Khaung village in Lahe Township was arrested on July 14, but was released before being sent for military service due to the NSO's mediation efforts. However, the NSO said that some of the other arrested individuals were released after paying between 300 and 400 million kyats (approximately $150,000 to $200,000), while those who could not pay were forcibly conscripted. The NSO pointed out that these actions violate the fundamental principles of justice, human dignity, and the rule of law, and has urged for the immediate cessation of forced conscription in the Naga region, respect for the will of the people, maintenance of lasting peace and mutual trust, and constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Naga community. Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Ko Lay, appointed by the junta, visited the Htengnyo mountain viewpoint on the Kantee-Sinthe-Lahe road, traditional building sites, a small-scale hydropower project, and slash-and-burn paddy cultivation areas during his trip. Editor. Naung Naung