Myanmar's Military Turns to Conscription As Resistance Grows

Myanmars military government activates a decade-old conscription law, subjecting young citizens to mandatory military service amid ongoing armed resistance challenges.

In a significant move, Myanmar's military government has activated a decade-old conscription law, making young men and women subject to at least two years of military service if called upon. This announcement, aired on state television, serves as a tacit admission of the army's struggles in containing the nationwide armed resistance against its rule.

The 2010 Peoples Military Service Law

The 2010 Peoples Military Service Law, enacted during a previous military regime, empowers the government to draft males between the ages of 18 and 45 and females between 18 and 35 into the armed forces for a two-year period, extendable to five years during national emergencies.

Recent Setbacks and Resistance

The activation of the conscription law comes in the wake of the military's significant setbacks since the countrywide conflict erupted following the 2021 coup. A surprise offensive launched by an alliance of armed ethnic organizations last October resulted in the capture of a large territory in northeastern Myanmar along the Chinese border. This success inspired resistance forces in other parts of the country to launch their own attacks, including recent clashes in the western state of Rakhine that forced hundreds of state security personnel to flee into neighboring Bangladesh.

Challenges and Consequences

The military faces dual challenges: pro-democracy forces formed after the coup and well-trained ethnic minority armed groups fighting for greater autonomy. Alliances between resistance groups further complicate the situation. Evading conscription is punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine, with exemptions for members of religious orders and temporary deferments for civil servants and students.

Military Spokesperson's Statement

Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military government, explained the activation of the law as a response to Myanmar's current situation. He emphasized that national defense is not solely the responsibility of soldiers but of all citizens, urging everyone to serve with pride under the enacted law.

Strained Military Resources

The military government's forces are stretched thin due to the recent surge in resistance activities. Casualties, desertions, and defections have depleted their ranks, although precise figures remain uncertain. Reports from the National Unity Government's defense ministry indicate that over 14,000 troops have defected since the 2021 power seizure. Recent reports in independent and pro-resistance media suggest instances of forcible recruitment of young men in urban areas, including Yangon, prompting warnings against venturing out at night.

Escalation of Conflict

The 2021 military takeover was initially met with nonviolent protests and civil disobedience. However, the situation escalated into violence as security forces responded with deadly force against protesters. This gave rise to organized armed resistance, eventually spiraling into a civil war.