In several downtown wards of Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, the junta began a census of women for conscription in the last week of February, sparking concerns among residents.
Junta-appointed administrative officials have been compiling lists of women aged 17 to 28 in the Kan Aut, Zaypine, and Hawkone wards.
The census was meant for conscription, but authorities falsely reassured young women whose names appeared on the list that there was nothing to worry about, a woman whose name was included said.
“They told us it was just a census and that there was nothing to worry about. They said that even if we were drafted, girls wouldn’t be sent into combat, and those who had graduated would get higher ranks. They also promised we could resign after the specified term. The census hasn’t been carried out in all wards yet,” she told NMG.
The current census exempts women who are government employees, married, mothers, or still attending school.
Those on the list have also been ordered to report to the nearest junta battalions and warned not to share or leak the information online.
A Hawkone Ward resident and mother of two girls voiced her deep concern over the recent developments.
“Right now, the junta is conscripting men first, so it’s not a big concern yet. But what if they run out of men? Then students could be next. When that happens, the junta could draft both boys and girls. I’m really worried about my daughters,” she said.
Rumors are also spreading in Taunggyi that those on the list could be summoned for military training at the end of March or in April.
A Taunggyi resident said that junta-appointed administrative officials are pre-registering their children as government employees to avoid the risk of being drafted.
Although the conscription law allows women to be drafted, the junta has stated they will be recruited only with their consent. However, the census in Taunggyi raises concerns that women who do not wish to serve could still be drafted.
This is the first time the junta has conducted a census of women for conscription in southern Shan State, following its crackdown on political activists and consolidation of control.
