The Myanmar military junta has begun summoning residents in Nam Sang Township, southern Shan State, for conscription via a lottery-based draft system, escalating fears among local communities.

Starting in the final week of May, men from four urban wards in Nam Sang received official notices from the junta’s General Administration Department, instructing them to report to local offices for a military draft lottery, according to local sources.

Initial reports confirm that 20 men from Ward (1) and 10 from Ward (2) have been ordered to appear at the General Administration Office on June 2. Similar summonses are expected in the remaining wards in the coming days.

“They’re calling people by ward. For example, Ward (1) had to send 20 men, and six were selected by drawing lots. I heard three were chosen out of eight people who showed up,” a young resident told SHAN.

This marks the first formal draft targeting civilians in Nam Sang’s urban areas. Previously, conscription was carried out informally, with local police reportedly arresting drug users and sending them to military training camps. The shift to an official lottery system has deeply unsettled many families.

“In the past, it was mostly drug addicts and alcoholics who were taken. But now, it could be anyone. Once someone’s name is drawn, it’s nearly impossible to get them released or find a replacement. Parents are so worried they can’t sleep or eat,” the resident added.

Pro-military Telegram channels have reported that the Eastern-Central Military Command, based in Kho Lam, launched its 13th military training course at the Keng Tawng training school on May 19.

This surge in recruitment comes shortly after a high-level military leadership meeting held on May 15–16, during which the junta reportedly committed to continuing airstrikes and ground offensives throughout the rainy season. Their stated goal is to reclaim territories lost to ethnic armed organizations and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) within six months.

According to a May 20 report by Khit Thit Media, citing a military source in Nay Pyi Taw, recruits from the new training cohort will be deployed in frontline operations as part of efforts to regain control ahead of anticipated elections.