Nearly 4,000 people from Arakan State forcibly conscripted over past year, monitoring group says

By Admin 11 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

11 June 2026, Mrauk-U

Myanmar's military junta forcibly conscripted 3,993 people from Arakan State between May 2025 and May 2026, making the state one of the regions most affected by the regime's nationwide military recruitment campaign, according to a report released by Unlawful Conscription Watch (UCW).

UCW data showed that Mandalay Region recorded the highest number of forced conscription cases nationwide with 9,434, followed by Arakan State and Ayeyarwady Region.

According to the monitoring group's records, those conscripted from Arakan State included 1,331 men, one woman, and 2,661 individuals whose gender could not be independently verified.

Rights advocates said many of those conscripted were detained at military checkpoints while attempting to leave Arakan State due to ongoing conflict. Others included internally displaced persons (IDPs) and migrant workers employed in Yangon.

Arakanese residents in Yangon reported growing concerns over intensified inspections conducted by junta troops, police and local authorities, particularly during overnight guest registration checks.

"The safest option is to remain indoors after 7 p.m.," an Arakanese resident in Yangon told DMG on condition of anonymity. "Junta personnel are no longer detaining people only on streets and in isolated areas. They are also targeting crowded bus terminals. Some operate in plainclothes. During overnight registration checks, young and middle-aged men are particularly vulnerable to arrest."

Residents also reported that junta personnel have conducted daytime arrests at tea shops, transportation hubs and industrial zones.

The movement of young people out of Arakan State has increased due to economic hardship, limited job opportunities and disruptions to education caused by the conflict. However, local sources said many travellers have been detained at checkpoints and forced into military service.

Community leaders have urged young people to avoid unnecessary travel despite ongoing economic difficulties.

"People facing hardship will continue to seek opportunities elsewhere," a resident of Mrauk-U said. "But there are constant reports of young people being detained while travelling, so avoiding travel to mainland Myanmar is currently the safest option."

The military activated the Military Service Law in February 2024 following significant battlefield losses and growing manpower shortages.

According to UCW, at least 32,974 people were forcibly conscripted across 14 states and regions, including Mandalay, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady, Yangon and Arakan State, through 1,913 documented incidents over a one-year period.

The monitoring group said the military has now reached its 23rd training intake. Based on an estimated 5,000 recruits per intake, independent observers estimate that more than 120,000 people have been recruited since the programme began.