Myanmar's military draft spurs exodus
In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
July 11, 20247m 22s
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Show Notes
Myanmar's junta is facing increased resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups in a shift that has coincided with the introduction of conscription. Since February, the military began a lottery system to sign up men aged 18 and older.
According to the Burma Affairs and Conflict Study (BACS) watchdog, almost 6,000 people have been recruited, many of them forcibly, during that period. The move has Myanmar youths facing a quandary: give in to the junta, flee, or fight back?