Myanmar’s Conscript Dilemma: Fear Grows Amid
Myanmar’s military junta has implemented a compulsory conscription law, sparking a wave of anxiety among young people who are now seeking ways to leave the country to avoid mandatory service. This unexpected announcement has instilled fear in the population, leading some to strategize illegal exits or contemplate joining resistance forces. The law mandates men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 to serve under military command for up to two years, with penalties for evasion including imprisonment.
Critics argue that conscription could result in human rights violations, exacerbate regional instability, and is a desperate measure by the military to address recruitment challenges amid widespread armed resistance. Although the law has been on the books since 2010, its activation marks the first time it has been implemented. This move is perceived as a response to the military’s weakened position, grappling with heightened coordination among ethnic armed groups and resistance forces.
As young individuals urgently pursue visas to exit the country, concerns arise about potential forced recruitment, insufficient training, and the profound impact on millions of lives. The conscription law is viewed as an attempt to disrupt the growing strength of the democratic resistance movement that has gained momentum since the coup in 2021. The junta’s decision to enforce conscription is seen not only as a military strategy but also as a means to disband the influential youth-led resistance that has been a driving force against the junta’s rule.
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