Myanmar’s junta government has made it mandatory for all young men and women to join the army. The announcement comes as Myanmar’s army struggles to combat armed rebels fighting for autonomy in various parts of the country.
Myanmar has announced the implementation of a compulsory conscription law already in place. The news was published in Myanmar’s state media yesterday Saturday.
According to Myanmar state media, all men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 must serve in the army for two years. And doctors and such specialists within the age limit of 45 years are compulsorily required to serve three years in the army. This appointment may be extended up to five years in view of the ongoing state emergency.
Myanmar has been in chaos since the army seized power in a 2021 coup that overthrew an elected government. Myanmar’s military has been under pressure since last October when a coalition of three ethnic rebel groups launched a coordinated operation. Army personnel were killed in the attack. Along with the rebels, pro-democracy fighters have also taken up arms against the junta.
The current situation is considered the biggest challenge for the country’s military since it first came to power in 1962.
Analysts say Myanmar’s army is struggling to recruit new soldiers. Army personnel who are not combatants are also being forced to go to the frontline.
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The state media was educated by Junta representative Jamin Tun that โthe obligation to guarantee the security and security of the nation ought to not be constrained to the armed force but ought to be amplified to all citizens.โ I hence need everybody to gladly tolerate by the Peopleโs Military Benefit Act.
A law called the โPeopleโs Military Benefit Actโ was presented in 2010 making enrollment into the armed force obligatory. But it has not been executed for so long. Agreeing to the law, resisting the arrange to connect the armed force is culpable by up to five a long time in jail.
