Interview
Border News Agency
Myebon, September 22

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.

“From what I have seen, there were around 150 unmarried young men and women. Rather than drawing lots and selecting a limited number—say, 50 or 100—they seemed to have taken all 150.”

“Those who could flee did so, while 78 people who did not flee were taken.”

“I believe the senior leadership is doing the right thing. However, I think the practices being carried out by lower-ranking personnel are going in the wrong direction.”

“I understand that we have to serve in the military when our own people call on us to do so. But I believe it would be more appropriate to do it within reasonable limits.”

“There are over 100 unmarried young men and women in Ngapathun village. If all of them are taken away, the village could be left devastated.”

“If they had drawn lots and recruited just 30 or 40 people out of the more than 100 young men and women in Ngapathun village, we would not have objected.”

“The process itself may be right, but the villagers are afraid to express their opinions. They are scared.”
“They worry that if they speak out or respond in any way, something might be done to their daughters in retaliation.”

“They are also afraid that they will be forced to serve in the military permanently, rather than for a limited period.”

“Parents have reached a point where they no longer have control over their own children.”

“We are not asking for those who have already been conscripted to be released.”

“We are asking that those who are ill and those who are responsible for supporting their parents be granted deferments.”

“We all understand the concept of compulsory military service.”

“If we live in Rakhine State, we have to serve in the military.”

“We already understand that anyone who turns 18 must serve in the military.”

“We are asking for those who are ill and those who support their parents to be granted deferments. We want the recruitment to be carried out in phases, one group at a time.”

“We understand that if we live in Rakhine State, we have to serve in the military. We must serve to achieve independence for Rakhine State.”

“We also know that everyone needs to be trained in military skills.”

“We are raising this issue because if people are recruited in this way, their families could face many hardships and difficulties.”

“I feel that even the village administrators do not have the authority to speak up. Other parents have said they would rather remain silent.”

“We are also afraid that the township-level military commander might find out what the village administrators are saying and come down here.”

“The parents are discussing how they might go to the higher authorities and negotiate.”