Residents in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, report a surge in unannounced guest-list inspections and nighttime arrests as regime administrative departments and joint security forces intensify enforcement of the People’s Military Service Law.

Since the second week of February, joint administrative teams have reportedly conducted surprise inspections of private boarding houses housing male students across Taunggyi’s urban wards. Locals say these inspections frequently result in immediate detentions. At the same time, soldiers have stepped up nighttime patrols along main roads and residential lanes, targeting young men in what residents describe as portering-style abductions.

“At night, they check guest lists at boarding houses more frequently. Soldiers also patrol the main roads and small lanes to make arrests. They appear to be specifically targeting people from rural areas,” a 25-year-old Taunggyi resident told SHAN.

Tensions are particularly high near Taunggyi University, where around 20 boarding houses accommodate male students from across the state. Students describe a pervasive climate of fear, saying they no longer feel safe in their residences.

“The military commission enters whichever houses they want to inspect, so we are terrified. My biggest fear is being taken without my parents ever knowing. I can’t sleep well at night anymore,” said a university student.

A female student from out of town said workers from rural townships and students from rural backgrounds appear to be the primary targets. She added that many have stopped leaving their residences after dark, fearing that if detained, their families would have no way to locate or assist them.

Similar reports have emerged from Yawnghwe (Nyaungshwe), where local sources say more than 30 individuals were recently detained during ward patrol operations. Residents report that those arrested are being transported toward Lawksawk (Yatsauk), a town known as a military training hub.

The detentions coincide with active enforcement of the People’s Military Service Law. Authorities are currently targeting men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 for compulsory service.

Although recruitment activities were reportedly paused during the January election period, residents say Batch 20 training began in the Inle region during the first week of February, immediately after the regime’s polls concluded.

Locals warn that the combination of surprise inspections, street patrols, and active conscription enforcement is fueling widespread anxiety in urban centers, particularly among students and migrant workers living far from their families.