More than 70 young men from the Einai village tract in Lashio Township, northern Shan State, have reportedly been detained by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army for more than three weeks, raising concerns among families that drug allegations are being used as a pretext for forced recruitment.

According to local residents, MNDAA troops conducted a sweep operation on April 21 in the areas of 12-Mile, 13-Mile, Einai, and Man Taung villages, claiming they were carrying out drug inspections targeting local youth.

Residents said more than 70 young men were detained during the operation and later transported to Hsenwi.

Despite more than three weeks having passed since the arrests, none of the detainees have reportedly been released. Families say MNDAA officials informed them that youths whose relatives fail to meet officials in person could be kept for military service.

“They took them directly to Hsenwi on the same day,” a local youth told SHAN. “At first, they said they were only testing for drugs and would arrest users. But more than 70 people were taken away. Some parents have gone to Hsenwi to meet them, but those without relatives or connections are the ones people fear may be forced to remain as soldiers.”

Einai village is located about 10 miles from Lashio, which returned to military control in 2025 after MNDAA forces withdrew from the city under pressure linked to Chinese mediation. However, residents say the MNDAA continues to operate checkpoints and conduct inspections along the Lashio–Namtu road.

Locals report that many young men are now afraid to travel by motorcycle due to fears of detention. Some have switched to public transportation to avoid inspections.
Residents also allege that the MNDAA has been stopping and questioning men without clear explanations or publicly announced policies.

According to local sources, the group has recently expanded recruitment efforts in areas surrounding Lashio. Residents claim the policy applies to males aged 16 and above, regardless of ethnicity or religion, while students and teachers are reportedly exempt.

The detentions come amid growing tensions in northern Shan State, where the MNDAA has expanded activities into areas also influenced by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army.

Some residents fear that overlapping territorial control and recruitment efforts could increase friction among members of the Northern Alliance.

“If they truly wanted to address drug problems, there should be clear policies and public education,” a resident of Lashio told SHAN. “Instead, people feel this is being used as a way to collect recruits. Arresting people without transparency only creates more fear.”

SHAN attempted to contact MNDAA officials for comment regarding the detentions but was unable to reach them by the time of publication.