Banmauk People's Defence Force (PDF) has instructed six villages in southern Banmauk Township, northern Sagaing Region, to supply 10 recruits each, according to sources from the villages.

In early June 2025, Banmauk PDF, which operates under the National Unity Government (NUG) summoned residents from the villages Narleinkar, Mankin, Minkone, Segyi, Peinhnekone, and Pintsinte, in southern Banmauk Township, to a meeting where it demanded that they provide recruits.

A source who requested anonymity said: “At the meeting, the PDF said each village had to provide 10 recruits. When villagers objected, saying the number was too high, PDF leader Lin Naing warned that if the quota wasn’t met, his troops would go door-to-door and forcibly take people.”

On previous occasions Banmauk PDF had demanded villages in the area under its control supply recruits, but in far smaller numbers than they have demanded this time. Back then, communities were also able to negotiate the number of recruits.

But this time, Banmauk PDF has refused to negotiate on its quota of recruits and has threatened to go door-to-door in villages abducting people to conscript if its targets are not met, according to a source who attended the meeting between the PDF and the villagers.

Banmauk PDF has controlled the southern part of Banmauk Township for over two years and currently there is no ongoing fighting in the area.

According to some residents of southern Banmauk Township, Banmauk PDF might be increasing its recruitment efforts because it has been fighting with the junta-aligned Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) in the northern part of the township.

There have also been rumours circulating in the area that Banmauk PDF and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) are preparing to launch an offensive to take Banmauk Town, which might be another reason they are looking for more conscripts. Fighting has reportedly been taking place as close as two miles from Banmauk Town.