In Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State, locals report that the military junta has been arresting people traveling at night.
Residents told Kantarawaddy Times that anyone venturing out after 6 PM is at risk of arrest.
“From what we know, they (the junta) arrest people. If you’re of a good age, they accuse you of various charges. For example, going out at an unusual time gets you arrested under suspicion. If you can afford it, you might bribe your way out, but if not, they take you away to force you into military service,” said a local.
Since last September, the junta has been forcibly recruiting individuals for military service and so-called “public security,” according to locals.
The recruitment mainly targets residents within the town for military duties, while those in the outskirts are conscripted for public security roles.
Furthermore, residents of Loikaw who had fled to Shan State are being urged to return by the military administrative bodies.
Those who wish to return to check on their homes or retrieve belongings are required by the military council to obtain a letter of recommendation from the Regional Command Headquarters Military Operations Office. However, the validity of the letter of recommendation is only one day.
In addition to the arrests, locals report ongoing gunfire within Loikaw, and there have been cases of residents being injured by landmines in their homes.
“While martial law hasn’t been officially declared in Loikaw, there have been shootings. They shoot at anyone they see at night. In outskirts like Nam Baw Wam and areas near military positions, you can hear gunfire. I heard it while I was there,” said another resident.
Currently, fewer young men remain in the city, as many are fleeing to avoid being forcibly recruited for military or public security duties.
According to residents, individuals recruited for public security must attend a two-month military training course. Men over 50 years old are tasked with guarding within their neighborhoods, while men aged 35 to 50 are assigned to patrol the outskirts of residential areas.
