The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is intensifying conscription efforts in its controlled areas of Hpakant Township, Kachin State, raising concerns among local communities.

The KIA is actively carrying out a conscription drive in villages and wards under its control in Hpakant Township, according to a local woman from Hpakant Township.

“In one incident, a young man who didn’t want to be conscripted tried to run away, but KIA troops beat him so severely that he lost consciousness. They then put him in a black Land Cruiser and took him away. He tried to escape when he saw the car, but he wasn’t able to get away,” she told MNJ.

 

Locals reported that the KIA is moving through villages, wards, and mining sites in its controlled areas in unmarked vehicles, carrying out arrests for conscription.

When MNJ contacted KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu about reports that the KIA is stepping up its conscription drive in Hpakant Township, he confirmed that recruitment drives are taking place in Kachin State but said it is not a matter for proper discussion.

On October 7, the KIA carried out conscription activities in Hsengtaung Village and surrounding areas in Hpakant Township.

Locals said KIA vehicles have been roaming Hsengtaung and Mawshan villages for three to four days, pursuing residents for conscription.

In Hpakant Township, locals face a dilemma as both the junta and the KIA, along with its ally the Kachin People’s Defence Force (Kachin PDF), intensify conscription efforts.

On September 30, around 20 men searching for jade near a mining site close to Nammaw Village in Hsengtaung Village Tract were reportedly detained by the KIA and taken away in four vehicles. During the incident, a 27-year-old Nammaw villager fell into a pit and died while fleeing in fear of arrest.