Local residents report growing concerns about increased arrests of young people in Kalay town, Sagaing Region, citing the military service law as a reason for these arrests.
This December, the military council has intensified its arrest operations. In recent days, two 18-year-old men who had just returned from work were arrested, according to sources close to their families.
“He was just a young man living in Taung Zalat Ward. He was arrested while returning home from work. His friend was arrested the next day, and his family had to pay 2 million kyat to secure his release the same day. But he doesn’t have enough money to pay this time, so he was sent to military training. All we can do now is pray for him,” a family member said.
In previous months, those arrested could be released by paying 2 to 5 million kyats. However, recently the military council has been sending arrested youth directly to military training camps, making it more difficult to secure their release.
The increasing arrests have heightened concerns among parents of young people in Kalay, as one mother explained: “Even children as young as 12 are being treated like middle-aged men just because they have a larger physique. I’ve heard the military is arresting more people this month. I’m extremely worried about the children. We can’t afford to relocate, so we’re trying to stay cautious and keep children at home as much as possible.”
The junta is targeting youth from downtown Kalay and surrounding villages for their 8th batch of military training. Local sources report at least 10 youth have been arrested this December, including some who are currently attending school.
Normally, those arrested are sent to Advanced Military Training Depot-10 near Sa Khan Gyi village in Kalay for military training.
Residents also report daily patrols in the town and ongoing checks on motorcycle sidecars without licenses.