The military regime has resumed forced conscription in the Inle region of Yawnghwe (Nyaungshwe) Township, southern Shan State, shortly after concluding its organized elections, triggering renewed anxiety among residents.

Although recruitment was reportedly paused during the January election period, the process resumed in the first week of February. Authorities are now summoning individuals for Military Service Batch 20 in the Inle area.

Residents say the so-called “proxy” system—under which families pay substitutes to serve in place of those drafted—has nearly collapsed. Because trainees from the first batch have yet to return home, few people are willing to risk enlisting, even for large sums of money.

“Recruitment has started again, but it’s now very difficult to find someone to serve as a proxy. Previously, you could hire a replacement for about 5 million kyats. Now, even if you offer 10 million, no one wants to go. Those selected through the lottery system also don’t want to serve,” a local woman from Inle told SHAN.

The financial burden on households remains severe. Families are still paying 20,000 kyats per month to cover costs associated with Batch 19, leaving many unable to afford additional demands linked to Batch 20.

Residents also report irregularities in the handling of these so-called “military service fees.” While ward and village administrators continue to collect payments, recruits allegedly do not receive the full amounts promised to them.

Fear is intensifying amid rumors that women may soon be included in the draft.

“With recruitment happening so frequently, we are worried about when they will start drafting women. Given the current political situation, we fear forced portering or forced conscription. If there were a guarantee that people could return after the set period, some might agree to go. But right now, there are no guarantees at all,” the woman added.

Most of those who previously agreed to serve as paid substitutes were young men from impoverished or remote areas, motivated primarily by financial need. Now, even in the poorest communities, willingness to enlist has sharply declined.

The pressure extends beyond Inle. In Taunggyi’s Yadanathiri Ward, the junta-appointed administrator is reportedly collecting 100,000 kyats per household each month under the pretext of military service costs.

This follows earlier financial demands in the region. In August 2025, the Pa-O National Army/Organization (PNA/PNO) reportedly required households in the Inle region to pay 500,000 kyats in military service fees. Those unable to comply were allegedly forced into service and deployed to frontline positions.

With recruitment accelerating and the proxy system faltering, residents say uncertainty and financial strain are spreading across southern Shan State, as families face mounting pressure with no clear end in sight.