Residents of Mogok Township in northern Mandalay Region told DVB that they have been facing forced recruitment by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in villages home to the ethnic Palaung (Ta’ang) nationality. Mogok is located 129 miles (207 km) northeast of the city of Mandalay.
“We have been told that If we have children, one of them must join the [TNLA]. If the children are away, parents must go instead of them no matter their age. Later, the children can switch places with their parents,” a Mogok resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
Residents added that the TNLA began forced recruitment in the third week of January at Painpyit, Bawlongyi, and other nearby villages around Mogok. They have been told that one person per household must join the ethnic armed group.
“It is difficult for the households which have elders. [TNLA] demands even from households where there are only two persons. We can’t even make a living because of the fighting but they are not listening,” another Mogok resident told DVB.
The TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo told DVB that one person per household must join as new recruits or face action, although she did not elaborate further. Some residents report that homes of those who evade service in the TNLA have been boarded up.
But Lway Yay Oo explained that this was done to protect families’ homes from “thieves.” She added that complaints can be made directly to TNLA officials if its members mistreat civilians.
The TNLA began recruiting in at least six villages around Mogok last July, after it seized control of the town. These are the second reports from Mogok residents that the TNLA has begun forced recruitment among the civilian population.