Myanmar Spring Chronicle – March 16 Overview
MoeMaKa, March 17, 2025
Reports of Forced Military Conscription Emerge in Ethnic Regions
Recent reports indicate that in Mogok, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has been forcibly recruiting individuals for military service. Male residents aged 18 to 45 are being taken from households—one male per family and, in cases with multiple female members, two or more are required to enlist. Local residents are opposing this forced recruitment, and multiple news agencies have reported on these developments.
At least five news outlets have covered the forced conscription in Mogok. One report included photographs showing TNLA and MDY-PDF members patrolling the streets together soon after taking control of the town. Since MDY-PDF assisted in capturing Mogok, there is speculation about how they will respond to these recruitment actions.
Reports indicate that on March 6, TNLA officials met with local administrators and instructed that all individuals aged 18 to 45, regardless of gender, must join the town’s defense forces. This directive was relayed to the local communities by the administrators on March 10.
Ethnic armed groups typically recruit from their own ethnic communities, but in times of large-scale conflict, forced conscription has extended to other ethnic groups. Last year, MNDAA also forcibly recruited non-Ta’ang individuals in their controlled areas.
According to the MFP news agency, TNLA’s spokesperson stated that security forces, composed of multiple ethnic groups, are being established in the 12 towns under TNLA control. Efforts to register recruits have begun in Mogok and Kutkai, with Namhkam having already completed the process.
While these are officially labeled as “town defense forces,” locals fear they could be sent to any battlefield, including direct confrontations with the military junta. Many residents did not expect a forced recruitment system that disregards ethnicity.
Ethnic armed groups in Shan State—such as Shan, Pa-O, and Palaung forces—have long imposed mandatory military service, requiring both men and women from each household to serve. However, the risk of casualties in previous conflicts was not as severe as in the current nationwide war, where battles are occurring daily.
Since the junta enacted its military conscription law last March, many young people from junta-controlled areas have fled to escape forced recruitment, either relocating or leaving the country. Similarly, in some ethnic armed group-controlled regions, forced conscription has caused concerns. For example, in Pa-O areas, the PNO/PNA militia, which supports the junta, has recruited tens of thousands for their “People’s Army” to fight against other Pa-O armed groups and Karenni defense forces.
Amid the widespread conflict, forced recruitment is seen as a life-threatening obligation. Those conscripted by the junta face not only the risk of death but also damage to their reputation. While many countries mandate military service, Myanmar’s situation differs significantly due to the military dictatorship’s brutal rule, making forced service under the junta intolerable for the people.
With ongoing intense battles, ethnic armed groups are facing high casualties and are increasing forced recruitment to replenish their ranks. The expansion of controlled territories also necessitates more soldiers. However, since public support is crucial for the revolution, such forced conscription policies could lead to political backlash and losses.