CNI News
January 27, 2026
Armed organizations across Myanmar are increasingly arresting civilians under the guise of mandatory military service and demanding money if the individuals do not wish to serve, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (SNDP), told CNI News.
Due to intense ongoing fighting between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and various armed groups, both sides have been active in recruiting or arresting young people for military service.
Military and political analysts have pointed out that Myanmar is currently facing a decline in population, labor shortages, a slowdown in manufacturing, and the looming risks associated with a dwindling population.
Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the SNDP, told CNI News that multiple armed groups are involved in recruiting youth for service.
Individuals preparing for service under the Myanmar Military’s People’s Military Service Law.
"In our area, we don’t hear much about [formal] conscription, but we hear about various armed groups forcibly recruiting young people. In the current civil war, many people want to avoid military service. It isn’t just the Tatmadaw (military) doing forced recruitment; the EAOs (Ethnic Armed Organizations) and PDFs (People’s Defense Forces) are doing the same. Civilians are suffering greatly because of this forced recruitment. While the conscription law states service is required up to age 35, all these armed groups are arresting people aged 50 or 60 as well. Whether it’s the army or other armed groups, once someone is caught, they are told to pay between 5 million and 10 million Kyats for their release. These armed organizations have become like kidnapping gangs. That is why we want this civil war to end. I want to say that in a time of peace and stability, everyone should serve in the military," he said.
Analysts note that the number of able-bodied youth is declining as many flee to foreign countries to escape the Myanmar military’s conscription law and the mandatory service requirements imposed by EAOs and PDFs.
KIA-PDF forces.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that a draft bill for a "Military Service Exemption Tax" has been written and submitted to the state.
"We are hearing on Telegram that the KIA is forcibly recruiting for military service. Regarding the [Myanmar] military, we haven't seen official news of forced recruitment, but there are instances where wards hold lotteries or call people up by turn. We hear that some authorities demand money if people want those arrested for conscription to be released. To resolve these issues, I drafted a 'People’s Military Service Exemption Tax Law' about a year ago and submitted it to the state through nearby contacts. What is certain is that the KIA is arresting and recruiting people, as are the Palaung (TNLA) and MNDAA. We don't hear as much specific news regarding the military's side," he said.
Political parties and analysts are currently seeking various ways to stop the forced recruitment of civilians by the various armed organizations.
Currently, battles remain intense between the Myanmar military and armed groups, with all sides striving to implement recruitment and conscription efforts.
