Desertions among junta-aligned militia members in Bilin Township, Mon State, have increased since the junta deployed them to frontline positions.

Since April, the junta has conducted operations in areas controlled by KNU Brigades 5 and 6, deploying Bilin-based militia under Light Infantry Division 44 (LID 44) to the frontlines, resulting in casualties among them.

Two militia members from Muthin Village in Bilin Township were killed on the frontline, while reports of similar deaths in other villages have prompted rear-positioned militia members to resign or desert.

After the coup, when the junta began forming township-level militia units, recruits were reportedly assured they would only be responsible for local security duties and would not be deployed to the frontlines, prompting many Bilin Township residents to join.

Between 2023 and 2025, the junta reportedly recruited over 200 militia personnel in Bilin Township, mainly tasked with manning checkpoints and collecting tolls along the Yangon–Mawlamyine Highway.

Since April, some militia members have been deployed to the frontlines, and desertions have emerged following reported fatalities.

To address manpower shortages caused by desertions, the junta has reportedly targeted small-scale drug dealers, users, and kratom juice sellers in villages across Bilin Township, conscripting them into militia service, with refusal allegedly resulting in drug charges and prosecution.