The announcement of mandatory conscription into the military in Myanmar has sparked outrage and resistance, particularly among the young people who have been at the forefront of opposing the military regime. Many are now faced with the prospect of having to fight for a regime they do not support, leading to fear, anxiety, and desperation among the youth population.
The enforcement of conscription is seen as a desperate move by the military regime, which has been losing ground to armed resistance groups and facing setbacks in various regions of the country. By forcing young civilians to join the military, the regime aims to deplete the ranks of those leading the opposition and weaken the revolution.
Many young Burmese are now seeking to flee the country, facing long lines and struggles at embassies as they try to secure visas to escape the mandatory military service. The scenes outside embassies and passport offices depict chaos, desperation, and fear among the young population, who are trying to avoid being forced into fighting for the regime.
The conscription law, which mandates at least two years of military service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27, has caused a significant disruption in the lives of young people who have already been impacted by the coup, school closures, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have had their education interrupted, lost jobs, and seen their dreams and hopes shattered by the ongoing crisis in the country. Some are even considering extreme measures to evade conscription, such as entering the monkhood or getting married early.
The regime’s move to enforce conscription has also led to a wave of young people joining the resistance forces, further weakening the military’s grip on the country. The junta’s diminishing control is evident in the face of growing resentment and opposition from the youth population, many of whom are determined to fight against the regime and its oppressive rule.
As the regime attempts to increase troop numbers through forced conscription, it is likely to face challenges in maintaining morale and effectiveness among the new recruits. Many youth are expected to flee to neighboring countries, creating humanitarian and refugee crises that could strain regional relationships and support for the junta.
Overall, the enforcement of mandatory conscription in Myanmar is poised to have a significant and lasting impact on the youth population, with far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape, societal stability, and international relations.
