Interview
Border News Agency
Myebon, September 23

Local residents, including parents and family members, have confirmed that the Arakkha Army (AA) is forcibly recruiting local people, including minors, into military service in Myebon Township, which is under AA control.

Family members said the AA had forcibly conscripted most of the more than 100 young people in Ngapathun village, located in Kanthaya Village Tract, Myebon Township, including those under the age of 18.

Parents said that the recruits also included underage girls and women.

Border News Agency interviewed the mother of a woman who was conscripted from Ngapathun village, Kanthaya Village Tract, Myebon Township.

“What I want is to have my child returned because they are not yet 18 years old.”

“If they want to stay and serve of their own free will, I have no objection. That is all I want to ask for.”

“They took my child away, saying they had to go, and I was left behind, unable to eat or sleep because of my distress.”