Read RFA coverage of this story in Burmese.
Myanmar junta’s top official said there had been misconduct in its conscription scheme – the military’s first admission since introducing conscription laws that have been highly criticized by rights groups.
Facing serious setbacks from insurgent groups across the country, reduced foreign investment, and defections from its own troops, the junta enacted controversial conscription laws in February last year, mandating compulsory military service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27.
“Some recruitment committees have not followed legal procedures, leading to financial corruption and difficulties for some conscripts,” said Myanmar’s Vice-Senior General and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Gen. Soe Win in a speech on Thursday, adding that these “daily issues” were being addressed.
It marked the first time junta officials admitted to misconduct in their conscription scheme.
“Therefore, military personnel must promptly report any misconduct by recruitment committees to the relevant authorities,” Soe Win added.
His remarks came amid widespread backlash against the scheme, with citizens fleeing the country to escape mandatory service, and local resistance groups retaliating by targeting officials involved in its enforcement.
Junta recruiters have also been accused of taking bribes from households desperate to keep their family members from fighting and conscripting minors by arresting them.
Some residents testified that many were forced to pay monthly fees to avoid conscription, while others said they had no choice but to pay ransom to secure the release of arrested family members and keep them from the frontlines.
Human rights organizations have condemned the law as an abuse of power and a violation of human rights, while international observers warn that the policy could further destabilize the already volatile nation.
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Many new recruits have been sent for training after being detained at gunpoint by junta troops. They face torture or execution if they are caught trying to escape.
In late February, rebels in Myanmar’s Bago region assassinated two local administrators who forcibly recruited civilians for military service, bringing the number of officials killed for their involvement in carrying out the draft to at least 110.
Between February and September 2024, anti-junta forces killed 108 ward and village administrators involved in recruiting, compiling name lists and extorting money for military service, according to data compiled by Radio Free Asia.
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang.