Myanmar’s military is arresting young men during midnight census checks in Nawnghkio (Naung Cho) Township, Shan State, raising fears of forced conscription, residents told SHAN.

Since mid-August, soldiers have entered the homes of returnee Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in southern Nawnghkio, inspecting household lists and detaining men. The raids have been reported in Kangyi, Nyantaw, Nawngtaw, Shwemuttaw, Inn Pho, Mepoke, and Taungshey villages.

“They go house to house, checking the family lists of returnees from Kangyi to Tawngkham,” a resident said. “If men are missing from the list, they arrest their brothers. Some families pay money to secure release. This is already the second time such arrests have happened.”

Locals said the arrests began after junta forces recaptured Nawnghkio town from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on July 16. More than 30 young men were detained at that time, accused of supporting the TNLA, the Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA), or the People’s Defence Force (PDF).

The most recent arrests and interrogations have been concentrated in Danu villages south of the township, including Nawngkhio Lay, Mepoke, Nawnglin, Nawngaw, Nyantaw, ShweThun, and Shwepyinyunt.

Meanwhile, military operations continue nearby. Troops are pushing ground offensives against TNLA-allied forces along the Nawnghkio–Mongkut Road in an effort to retake Mongkut (Mogok). Pro-military Telegram channels reported that the army regained control of the Yadanartheingi mine on August 24.

Heavy fighting has also been reported near Nawng Ping, across from Gote Twin, where the junta is attempting to open a route into TNLA-controlled Kyaukme Township. Residents say civilian casualties are mounting as artillery strikes, drone attacks, and airstrikes intensify.