Although junta-affiliated organizations are carrying out extrajudicial abductions for conscription in Mon State, elected MPs have shown no sign of daring to condemn or challenge these actions.

The junta’s subordinates are carrying out arbitrary abductions of local youth to meet quotas for new conscription batches introduced each month.

Young people commuting to work, travelers, and those caring for elderly parents are among the victims of these lawless abductions.

Many of the abducted youth were taken directly to military training depots without any opportunity to offer an explanation.

Three Mon State residents who spoke to Than Lwin Times said that although elected MPs from Mon State are aware these actions are illegal, they do not dare to criticize them, reflecting fear of defying the junta and leaving their roles effectively ceremonial rather than influential.

The conscription law, which came into effect on February 10, 2024, requires all citizens aged 18 to 35 to serve in the military for two to five years. Exceptions include students and those caring for elderly parents, who may defer their service.

However, the junta’s subordinates have raided homes and arbitrarily abducted young people, including students and those caring for elderly parents, who have not been spared from forced detention.

A young Mon man said the public hopes Mon MPs will take a stronger stance by openly protesting and submitting motions in the state legislature to address these lawless abductions.

Than Lwin Times contacted three Mon State MPs elected in the junta-held election regarding the matter, but none responded.

According to information obtained by Than Lwin Times, the total number of people drafted in Mon State across the junta’s 25 conscription batches has reportedly exceeded 5,200.

Junta-controlled propaganda newspapers falsely claim that conscripts undergoing military training enlisted willingly of their own accord.