Military junta forces and police have launched a series of abductions targeting civilians in Mon State’s Thaton District, using alleged violations of locally imposed curfews as a pretext to enforce forced conscription, according to residents and sources.

In Paung, Thaton, Bilin, and Kyaikto townships, the junta-appointed administration has enforced strict local directives, including a curfew from midnight to 4:00 a.m. and a ban on two men riding a motorcycle together.

However, residents report that soldiers, police officers, and allied militia members are routinely using these restrictions to detain young people arbitrarily long before curfew hours begin.

"Initially, soldiers arrested men riding together on motorcycles for violating local orders. Later, they began carrying out abductions as early as 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m.," a Bilin Township resident told Than Lwin Times. "They claim these arrests are for curfew violations, but that is just an excuse."

The crackdown primarily targets young men eligible for military service under the regime's forced conscription law, enacted in early 2024.

Those with personal ties to junta officials or sufficient financial resources are reportedly released after paying steep ransoms. 

Detainees unable to pay are funneled directly into military training depots to serve as conscripts.

"Every night around 10:30 p.m., patrols begin. If they see anyone, they arrest them, and most never see their families again," said a source in Paung Township. "I've heard some were released after paying between 2.5 million and 3 million MMK ($700–$800 USD). Out of fear, no one dares to go outside at night anymore."

In addition to nighttime raids, security forces have set up random checkpoints along urban roads and key entry and exit points across Mon State, extorting travelers and residents who are unaware of the directives.

With the current rainy season bringing visitors to local waterfalls and streams in Thaton District, residents warn that tourists and out-of-town visitors have also become primary targets for extortion and forced recruitment.