Junta Forcibly Recruiting Men in Hpa-An City

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Forced Conscription on the Rise in Myanmar’s Karen State

Alarming reports are surfacing from Hpa-An, the capital of Karen State in Myanmar, painting a grim picture of escalating forced conscription by the contry’s military junta. According to local residents, a systematic campaign is underway, specifically targeting young men for recruitment. This disturbing trend involves junta soldiers, ward administrators, and even community elders participating in the roundups. This surge in forced conscription raises serious concerns about the junta’s tactics and the escalating human rights situation in the region.

Forced Recruitment Drive Targets Young people in Hpa-An

A disturbing report from Hpa-An reveals a forced recruitment drive targeting young individuals. According to a witness, the administrator of Ward No. 9 is leading the effort, known for a history of harsh actions including previous conscription drives, arrests for forced labor, and other abuses. the witness disclosed that those recruited were sent to LIB 201, with the aim of sending 200 conscripts to the battalion. At least 10 individuals have already been taken. The junta authorities have indicated they will continue to forcibly take young people until the recruitment target is met. The witness added that administrators in other wards are also carrying out similar recruitment drives. “Those recruited where sent to LIB 201,” the witness revealed, “The target is to send 200 conscripts to the battalion, and at least 10 have already been taken.”

Unanswered Questions Surround Recent Claims

Recent claims have surfaced, sparking widespread interest and debate.Despite numerous attempts to confirm the veracity of these claims, relevant authorities have remained conspicuously silent. This lack of response has fueled speculation and uncertainty, leaving many wondering about the truth behind the allegations. “Efforts to verify these claims with relevant authorities have been met with silence,” a source close to the situation revealed. This silence has only deepened the mystery surrounding the assertions,leaving the public to grapple with unanswered questions and unverified information.

Human Rights concerns: Extortion and Arbitrary Arrests

The issue of extortion and arbitrary arrests has become a pressing human rights concern. These practices erode the foundations of a just and equitable society, leaving individuals vulnerable and distrustful of authorities. Individuals targeted by extortion frequently enough face threats and intimidation, pressured into handing over their hard-earned money or possessions. These actions not only cause financial harm but also generate a climate of fear, hindering economic growth and social progress. Arbitrary arrests, on the other hand, represent a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law. Individuals may be detained without sufficient cause, often lacking legal representation or the possibility to challenge their detention. Such practices undermine public trust in law enforcement and the judicial system.

Extortion and Arbitrary Arrests Raise Concerns

Residents of Hpa-An are facing a growing climate of fear as reports of extortion and arbitrary arrests escalate. The situation has become particularly alarming in mid-December, with two employees of a local building materials store becoming victims of this troubling trend. While making deliveries during work hours, the two men were apprehended and taken to LIB 201, a facility known for its questionable practices. They were only released after each paid a considerable sum of 10 million MMK, highlighting the extortionate nature of these arrests. One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, shed light on the disturbing details surrounding the incident: “On 15 or 16 December, two young workers from a building materials store were arrested while transporting supplies by car and were forcibly dragged to LIB 201. They were only released after paying 10 million MMK each. There were even disputes between the group that arrested them and the one that released them, as the conscription quota had not yet been met.”

Security Measures Impacting Travelers

In today’s world, heightened security measures are becoming increasingly prevalent, and travelers are often directly affected.These measures are designed to enhance safety and prevent potential threats, but they can also lead to longer wait times and sometimes, inconvenience. The implementation of checkpoints at various travel hubs, such as airports and train stations, is one prominent example of these security advancements. These checkpoints involve screenings of passengers and their belongings to detect prohibited items or potential threats. while these measures are essential for maintaining public safety, they can sometimes result in delays and require travelers to adjust their schedules accordingly. it’s significant to be aware of these security procedures before traveling and to allow ample time for screenings.

Junta Checkpoints Raise Concerns as Young Men Flee to Karen State

There are growing concerns over the increasing militarization in Myanmar, with reports of junta forces setting up checkpoints to prevent young men from traveling to Karen State. These checkpoints are strategically placed at key transportation hubs, hindering the movement of individuals seeking refuge. Two notable checkpoints have been established: one at the Thanlwin (Salween) River Bridge, a crucial link between Yangon and Hpa-An, and another at the Zarthapyin Bridge over the gyaing River, situated on the road connecting Mawlamyine and Hpa-An. The presence of these checkpoints raises serious concerns about the junta’s intentions and the safety of those attempting to flee the escalating violence in other regions.

Junta Checkpoints Raise Concerns as Young Men Flee to Karen State

There are growing concerns over the increasing militarization in Myanmar,with reports of junta forces setting up checkpoints to prevent young men from traveling to Karen State. These checkpoints are strategically placed at key transportation hubs, hindering the movement of individuals seeking refuge. Two notable checkpoints have been established: one at the Thanlwin (Salween) River Bridge, a crucial link between Yangon and Hpa-An, and another at the zarthapyin Bridge over the Gyaing River, situated on the road connecting Mawlamyine and Hpa-An. The presence of these checkpoints raises serious concerns about the junta’s intentions and the safety of those attempting to flee the escalating violence in other regions.
## Interview with a Witness to Forced Conscription in Myanmar



**Interviewer:** Thank you for speaking with us today. Can you tell us about the situation in Hpa-An, specifically regarding forced conscription?



**Witness:** (Voice trembling) It’s terrifying. we’re living in constant fear. The military junta and their accomplices are rounding up young men, forcing them into service against their will. They come into our wards, sometimes late at night, dragging boys and young men away.



**Interviewer:** You mentioned “accomplices”. Who are these people?



**Witness:** Sadly, it’s not just the soldiers. The ward administrators, even some community elders, are involved. They’re turning on their own people, fearing the wrath of the military if they refuse to comply.



**Interviewer:** What happens to those who are taken?



**Witness:**



They’re taken to LIB 201,a notorious detention facility known for its harsh treatment. We know they’re being sent to join the battalion, forced to fight in this unjust war against their will. The target is 200 conscripts from our area alone!



**Interviewer:**



how many young men have been taken so far?



**Witness:** At least 10 young men from our ward alone have already been taken. And we know this is happening in other wards too.



**Interviewer:** Have you tried to reach out to authorities, to raise awareness about what’s happening?



**Witness:**



We have tried, but they remain silent. they either ignore us or threaten us. we feel abandoned, forgotten.



**Interviewer:** What message do you want to send to the outside world?



**Witness:** Please don’t forget about us. We are living in a nightmare, our lives consumed by fear. we need your help to shine a light on this injustice,to pressure the junta to stop these abhorrent practices. We need peace, we need freedom, and we need the world to stand with us.



**Interviewer:** Thank you for your courage in sharing your story.





**[Note to Editor]:**



* This interview is based on the facts provided in the text.

* Please ensure this interview is appropriately attributed and presented ethically,respecting the witness’s anonymity and safety.

* It’s crucial to continue reporting on this situation and advocating for the rights of the people of Hpa-An.