Military service law implemented in Sittwe, leaflets posted on lampposts

The people's military service law has been implemented in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State.

A source close to the administration informed Narinjara News that Sittwe township administrator and district administrator directed all ward administrators in the township to conduct field surveys based on the census data from the immigration & population census ministry.

"The census data from Sittwe immigration department has been distributed to the ward administrators. They are asked to conduct field surveys to assess the eligibility of individuals listed in the census data for the military service. However, many administrators remain reluctant to carry out this task," added the source.

A resident of Sin Ku Lan ward informed that many leaflets containing information about the military service law have been  posted on lampposts in some wards of Sittwe by the administrators following the direction of the township administrator.

Residents reported that the leaflets were also seen in six villages near Sittwe as well as in Sin Ku Lan, Set Yone Su and Ta Yar Thee Su wards.

An elderly resident from a village in Sittwe informed Narinjara News that the field surveys had already begun in many wards and villages, where the leaflets are posted.

A staff member from Sittwe informed Narinjara News that at around 10 am on 15 March, the district administrator, district police chief  and township administrators met at the district administrator's office to discuss the implementation of the military service law in Sittwe locality.

The ward administrations have been directed to ask that people join the military service, except the government staff and they must be between 24 and 30 years old. It includes those who didn't pass high school, married or  single and  non-citizen Muslims.

"Government employees are not included. You can join the military even if you haven't passed the 10th grade examination. Married individuals may also serve as the duration of military service is only two years. Additionally, non-citizen Muslim villagers can also apply for the same,” added the staff member.

At least 10 individuals from the entire Sittwe township will be required to serve in the military every month.

The junta has reportedly established an artillery camp around the immigration office compound in Sittwe. Furthermore, there are ongoing military activities in the area and restrictions have been imposed on fishing boats entering and departing Sittwe.

Since the month of February, the military junta began providing military training to Rakhine youths from Thandwe township and Muslims from Kyaukphyu, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Sittwe localities. Starting in March, the junta planned to implement the military service law for Rakhine youths in Sittwe.