Youths from Nawngkio Township, whose names were randomly selected from a list of civilians for forced military conscription, were sent to the military training school in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region, which is about 35 miles from the township. Government officials, including village and ward administrators, selected them from a lottery of individuals between 18 and 35 for service in the third week of March.

“They have called up at least 20 people from a village-tract in Nawngkio Township,” said an anonymous local source, who explained that they have no choice if their name is picked. He said people live in fear of being selected. Youths were chosen from Ner Hkaw, Kon Tha, Samma Sel, Ohmma Hker, and Bang Bwe village-tracts.

“They did not tell us how many days these people need to attend the training.”

State Administration Council (SAC) spokesperson Gen Zaw Min Tun previously informed the media that they wouldn’t start calling up eligible people for training until after the water festival in April.

“Some youths have fled from their village,” another anonymous source said. He explained that everyone has left Thon Sel, where there are 600 homes. With no one left to recruit in Thon Sel, other villagers worry that the army will take youths from their area, the man explained.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance and the People’s Defense Force continue to face off with SAC forces in Nawngkio Township. Regime soldiers are firing artillery shells at Thon Sel and Samma Sel every day from Ohmma Thee, causing residents to leave the area.