The military has begun recruiting new soldiers in the capital Naypyidaw, state television reported, amid opposition from many young people to plans to implement military conscription in Myanmar. Meanwhile, independent local media has accused the military of forcibly conscripting young people in various parts of the country.
Last month, the military, which has been in power in Myanmar since a coup d'état three years ago, announced that it would implement a conscription system for citizens over the age of 18 to compensate for the shortage of soldiers due to fighting with pro-democracy forces.
The military had originally said that the military would begin in mid-April, but state television reported on the 29th that 184 young people who wanted to join the military had been convened in the capital Naypyidaw and procedures had been completed.
Although there has been no official announcement that conscription has begun, a military spokesperson explained during a military parade held on the 27th that the first batch of conscripts will be selected from volunteers.
Meanwhile, independent local media has accused the military of going into homes in places like Yangon, the largest city, and forcibly conscripting young people into military service.
Since Myanmar's plan to implement conscription was announced, a number of young people have fled to neighboring Thailand or joined pro-democracy armed groups, leading the military to implement conscription earlier than planned. The possibility has also been pointed out.