March 15

 

Yangon residents said many of the young people in the townships of Yangon have been fleeing after their names were chosen to serve in the military services.

 

"One of my neighbor's nephews was on the list. She cried a lot as the name was chosen by casting lots. Many of my neighbors received the lists and they are unhappy with that," said a Tharketa township resident.

 

Currently, the military collects the lists of young people selected to serve the armed services in Kawhmu, Kungchangon, Twante, Hlaing Thar Yar, Taikkyi and Tharketa towns in Yangon.

 

Some wards prioritized in the selection process were those which have existing census of households. The wards are still listing residents and guests are second priority.

 

"Some young men in the list are scared and run away," said a Yangon resident.

 

The authorities collected the lists of the households with census in Yangon and drew lots by townships on March 13 and selected two young men per road.

 

All those included in the lists will have check into assigned military camps starting on March 23. Moreover, people close to the ward administration offices or work at the office would be automatically included in the list.

 

"Young people who have visited our ward office are fleeing for fear of being included on the list Last week, I heard the administrator only collected the list of those who are eligible to serve in the military but now the list to serve the army came out," said an unnamed source from a ward administration office in Yangon.

 

After the military activated a mandatory conscription law, some townships in Yangon are distributing forms door-to-door to encourage people to register for military service.

 

Naypyidaw residents said the names of young people required to serve military services are already out in the villages in Naypyidaw.

 

Caption: Young people from an anti-coup protest in Yangon.

 

Burma Associated Press