The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has publicly acknowledged for the first time that it abducts young men from homes and streets to force them into military service, confirming a practice long reported by residents and rights groups.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Min Thu told Parliament this week that authorities were “compelled” to raid houses and checkpoints because many men were fleeing their townships to avoid conscription. His comments came in response to a lawmaker from Sagaing Region, who raised concerns over arbitrary arrests in Hkamti Township.

Local officials have been accused of detaining schoolboys and students, sparking fear among families. “Arresting young men at checkpoints and from houses goes beyond the Conscription Law,” said MP Gon Wan, warning that residents were too frightened to remain in town.

Min Thu, a major general, insisted the raids were lawful and targeted only those who failed to report for duty. He said Hkamti has nearly 5,000 men aged 18–35 eligible for service, but exemptions reduce the pool to about 2,000. So far, only 320 have been conscripted, while 16 have evaded the draft.

The regime revived its dormant Conscription Law in February 2024, requiring men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27 to serve at least two years. Authorities claim around 130,000 recruits have been drafted in 26 batches, but the military remains overstretched, fighting resistance forces nationwide.

Evading service carries prison terms of three to five years, while feigning illness or disability can mean five years behind bars. The law has triggered a mass exodus of young people, with many fleeing to Thailand.

Reports of abductions have circulated for months, with young men seized in Yangon, Mandalay and other cities. Some cases have degenerated into kidnappings for ransom amid widespread corruption.

By admitting the practice, the regime has confirmed what many families already knew: that Myanmar’s youth are being pressed into service against their will, deepening fear and resentment in a country already scarred by conflict.

-2026-05-24

2 years ago, whilst walking on a dark Mandalay street in the evening to my favourite BBQ restaurant, an army truck screeched to a halt beside me, only for the solders to profusely apologise when they realised that I was a foreigner. The restaurant owner told me that his business was suffering, because young Myanmar men were too scared to venture out after dark, for fear of abduction off the streets.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by simon43