The junta is stepping up abductions for conscription in downtown wards of Kale in Sagaing Region, according to locals.

In recent days, abductions in downtown wards of Kale have increased, with one reported incident where around 30 young people were taken away in a single day.

“Last week, around 30 people were reportedly abducted in a single day. In Kale, junta authorities have increasingly been carrying out forced arrests of commuters in central town areas. In some cases, they’ve even entered residential wards to take people away. Just recently, about four men were reportedly abducted near the Meteorology office,” a young resident of Kale said.

The junta has been carrying out conscription-related abductions in areas under its control for some time, but recently there has been a significant increase in such incidents in Kale.

The Kalay Township People's Strike Steering Committee (KPSSC) also regularly issues guidance to local youth on how to avoid conscription. This includes staying alert when traveling along main roads where junta recruitment teams are active, avoiding solo travel, and keeping up with the latest news.