Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 26 January 2025

Dr. Aye Maung, the leader of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), is among the political party representatives calling on the terrorist junta to raise the number of conscripts, as reported in junta-controlled media on January 25. 

This appeal was made on the second day of discussions between the junta's National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), headed by Lieutenant General Tun Tun Naung, and a working group of political parties. 

The gathering occurred on the morning of January 24 at the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Centre located in Naypyidaw. Political party representatives were present, such as U Ko Ko Gyi, the chairman of the People’s Party; Dr. Aye Maung, the chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP); delegates from the National Unity Party; and top leaders of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). 

During the second day of the two-day dialogue, representatives from the political parties introduced and deliberated on six main topics. 

The six topics addressed were: (1) the election matter for 2025, (2) strategies for ensuring state stability, (3) legal initiatives to meet the public’s needs, (4) present political situations and collaboration between the government and citizens, (5) suggestions to boost the influx of People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), which arose from political campaigns, into areas governed by the state, and (6) recommendations to raise the number of recruits under the People's Military Service Act. 

Dr. Aye Maung also mentioned that multiple agreements arising from the discussions held over two days were signed. 

"Stability in politics and adherence to the law are essential for every nation. As a result, reaching a political compromise is crucial for attaining this stability. Political disagreements have led to armed conflicts, resulting in numerous adverse effects due to these wars. To ensure political stability, we think certain parts of the constitution should be revised. We are dedicated to striving diligently to ensure political stability and maintain the nation's sovereignty," stated Dr. Aye Maung. 

He stated, "The meeting today will tackle and settle the issues of contention from the last session. Furthermore, the areas of consensus will be endorsed. There are 43 areas of consensus, encompassing the fundamental principles of the constitution, legislative matters, executive matters, and judicial matters. 

On January 23, the military junta implemented the People’s Military Service Rules and Regulations, which require that individuals from political parties also fulfill military service. 

The People’s Military Service Law, created by former dictator Senior General Than Shwe and sanctioned by the current dictator Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in 2024, enables the military to summon regular civilians—men between 18 and 35 years old and women aged 18 to 27—to serve for a duration of up to two years.