July 9, 2024

Since the junta enacted the conscription law on February 10, 2024, a total of 5,698 citizens have been detained, and 12 individuals have committed suicide to avoid conscription, according to data from the Spring Revolution Database (SRD).

Among the detainees, 1,838 are from Rakhine State, including both ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya individuals. In Sagaing Region, 783 people have been arrested, while Bago Region and Magway Region have seen 528 and 447 detentions, respectively. The detentions include 2,374 individuals from rural areas, 1,997 from urban areas, and 398 arrested while traveling.

Additionally, the junta has reportedly lured IDPs from camps in Kyaukphyu with promises of registration, only to conscript them into military service.

The conscription law has led to 12 suicides, with seven occurring in March alone. Among the deceased are two individuals from Ayeyarwady Region, one from Kalaw Township in Southern Shan State, one from Kyaukpadaung Township in Mandalay Region, one from Dawbon Township in Yangon Region, one from Myeik Township in Tanintharyi Region, and one from Manaung in Rakhine State.

Of the 12 suicides, 10 were attributed to individuals not wanting to serve in the military. The remaining two cases involved a grandmother who took her life after her grandson was selected for conscription, and a village administrator who committed suicide due to the pressure from the military to force villagers to conscription.