The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) told DVB on Monday that it is currently compiling a list of 18 to 45 year-old residents, in Mogok Township of Mandalay Region and Kutkai Township of northern Shan State, as new recruits for the ethnic armed group. 

“The recruits will receive basic military training, then serve in our guard forces,” said Lway Yay Oo, the TNLA spokesperson. She added that it has already done the same in Namhkam, located in northern Shan State 100 miles (160 km) north of the regional capital Lashio

Mogok residents told DVB that the TNLA has formed a battalion with trained Lisu and Gurkha ethnic nationalities. Mogok is located 129 miles (207 km) northeast of the region’s capital Mandalay. 

Residents told DVB in January that the TNLA began forced recruitment at Painpyit, Bawlongyi, and other villages around Mogok. They were told by the TNLA that one person per household must join or face action, although it did not elaborate on what type of action it would take. 

Residents have reported homes being boarded up belonging to those who’ve refused to serve in the TNLA. A former resident of Mogok currently living in Yangon told DVB on the condition of anonymity that he would not return to his hometown due to the “forced” recruitment being carried out by the TNLA.

“They’re just following the regime’s steps and it’s disappointing,” he said, adding that the TNLA should seek voluntary recruits as it risks losing public support if it forces residents to join.

The regime in Naypyidaw enforced its military conscription law on Feb. 10, 2024. It stipulates all men in Myanmar aged 18 to 35 must serve at least two years in the military.

The TNLA and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) took control of Mogok, which is famed for its ruby mines, on July 24. The TNLA also controls 11 townships in northern Shan State. 

It plans to administer the five districts and 18 towns under its control by allowing its political wing, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF), to assume responsibilities for security, law enforcement, education, healthcare and social development.

The regime and TNLA are expected to hold a second round of peace talks in April after they were unable to come to an agreement during the first round last month in China.