Junta Forces in Myanmar Continue Targeting Youth for Forced Conscript in Hpa-An
In recent developments reported from Hpa-An, a city in Myanmar, junta forces are rounding up young individuals for forced conscription. According to local witnesses, these arrests are being conducted by junta soldiers, junta-appointed ward administrators, and 100-house-group elders. This troubling pattern highlights the junta’s continuous efforts to maintain control through forced labor.
Local Residents Report on Arrests
KIC, an organization focused on reporting and advocacy, has attempted to verify the claims made by residents regarding the role of ward administrators in these arrests. However, no official response has been received from the relevant authorities. This lack of transparency adds to the concerns regarding the legitimacy and human rights implications of these actions.
Arrest of Construction Workers in Hpa-An
The situation escalated in mid-December, when two employees from a building materials store in Hpa-An were arrested while performing their duties during working hours. They were taken to LIB 201, a local prison, and were only released after paying a hefty sum of 10 million MMK each. One resident provided this account to KIC, describing the encounter: “On 15 or 16 December, two young workers from a building materials store were arrested while transporting supplies by car and were forcibly dragged to LIB 201. They were only released after paying 10 million MMK each. There were even disputes between the group that arrested them and the one that released them, as the conscription quota had not yet been met.”
Border Interceptions
More recently, junta troops have started arresting and conscripting young people traveling to Karen state from other regions. This is occurring at junta checkpoints at the Thanlwin (Salween) River Bridge, which connects Yangon and Hpa-An, and at the Zarthapyin Bridge over the Gyaing River, which links Mawlamyine and Hpa-An. These intercepts further illustrate the junta’s systematic approach to meeting conscription quotas by targeting both locals and outsiders.
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