August 21, 2024

Across Myanmar, local administrative committees in collaboration with the military junta have been increasingly conducting guest list inspections as a pretext for recruiting soldiers and extorting money, according to eyewitness accounts.

On August 10, in the Mudita Housing Complex in Insein Township, Yangon, authorities conducted a guest list check and arrested 13 individuals. In Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Lashio, the military is reportedly instructing residents to report any displaced persons to them.

In Tamwe and South Okkalapa, almost daily guest list inspections are being carried out. Those not on the list who are of conscription age are being coerced into signing conscription forms and forced to pay money to avoid being drafted.

“In the past, they mainly targeted hostels, but now they are checking houses too. If you’re not registered, you’ll be arrested, and they’ll force you to pay and make choices. The military and the local administrative offices are working together. Even if you submit a guest list, they don’t make it easy; they demand bribes,” said a resident of Tamwe Township to New Day Myanmar.

In Mandalay, authorities carried out an inspection in the Western Quarter between 29th Street and 80th and 81st Streets on the night of August 19, followed by the Eastern Quarter on August 20. During the Western Quarter inspection, five women who were not registered were arrested, according to a witness who posted about the incident on social media. The military’s inspections in Mandalay are reportedly focused on displaced persons.

In addition to the guest list checks, authorities, in collaboration with immigration and local administrative offices, are forcing individuals to serve in the military under the guise of a lottery system. If the selected person is out of town or abroad, they are reportedly being extorted for up to 4 million kyats.