March 19, Kalaw

 

More residents in Kalaw town in southern Shan State willingly enlisted for the military service and some wards don't need to select people by casting lots.

 

"There is no need to cast lots in ward 4, 5 and 6 as there are a lot of young people who willingly join the military service," the ward leaders said.

 

One person per ward is selected for military service. But the administrators of ward 10 had to postpone the selection process as residents are opposing it.

 

"Administrator of ward 10 are afraid to continue the selection process for conscription law. So, he told his people to search for a man who would willingly join the service," said a resident.

 

Aged between 24-30 are selected in accordance with the population starting on March 18 by casting lots.

 

"Some parents hand over their kids because they are spoiled. Some people enlisted themselves, as they have no jobs. So, there are some wards that don't need to cast lots," said a Kalaw resident.

 

A resident who is helping in the selection process said the casting of lots would be made once in three months. There are no married persons during the first selection for military service. 

 

"Some people are afraid and some are determined to be selected. Many young people are already going abroad, so, people who remain in the town had to draw lots. Some wards don't need to casing lots as they already got two people for each ward," said the resident helping the selection process.

 

Taunggyi residents said the enlisting process for military service in some wards of the town have began on March 15.

 

The regime stated that there are 14 million people (6.3 million of men and 7.7 million of women) who are eligible to participate in its mandatory conscription law.

 

Family members of young people in the country have been concerned and devastated that their children would be selected for the military service.

 

Burma Associated Press