Forced Military Recruitment: 122 Youth Captured in Just 15 Days in Mandalay
The Mandalay Strike Force announced on January 17 that at least 122 people have been unlawfully arrested across seven townships in the Mandalay Region by armed groups using various illegal methods to detain and force individuals into military service.
According to media reports and gathered information, 19 people each were arrested in Aungmyaythazan, Chanmyathazi, and Pyigyitagon townships, 15 each in Chanayethazan and Patheingyi, 17 in Mahar Aung Myay, and 18 in Amarapura, making a total of at least 122 people. The Strike Force mentioned that the actual number of arrests on the ground may be higher than this reported figure.
The statement also highlighted various forms of arrests, including arbitrary detentions day and night, arrests under the pretext of guest registration, targeting young workers and ordinary citizens, phone searches under the guise of cyber security laws, and extortion attempts. The terrorist military junta is committing these acts daily. Additionally, the Mandalay Strike Force issued four recommendations to help avoid being unlawfully detained.
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