Nearly 4,000 People from Arakan Forcibly Conscripted by Myanmar Military Within a Year, UCW Reports

News ၊ June 10, 2026

Photo - Crd

Unlawful Conscription Watch (UCW) has reported that 3,993 people from Arakan were forcibly conscripted by the coup military over a 12-month period, from May 2025 to May 31, 2026, according to its regional conscription data.

This figure represents the second-highest number of conscripts among Myanmar's 15 states and regions, including Naypyitaw.

The data shows that Mandalay Region saw the highest number of conscriptions with 9,434 people, followed by Arakan with 3,993 people, and Ayeyarwady Region with 3,649 people.

Conscription numbers in other regions and states were reported as 3,300 in Magway Region, 3,121 in Bago Region, 2,289 in Yangon Region, 1,928 in Sagaing Region, 1,658 in Tanintharyi Region, 1,107 in Mon State, 896 in Kayin State, 773 in Naypyitaw, 469 in Kachin State, 309 in Shan State, 40 in Kayah State, 8 in Chin State.

According to the report, a total of 32,974 people were forcibly conscripted during this 12-month period, and 1,913 cases have been documented in connection with these forced recruitments.

Nationwide, up to 86 women were forcibly conscripted during this period, including one Rakhine woman.

It is reported that the majority of the forcibly conscripted Arakanese are those who were arrested while traveling from Arakan to other parts of Myanmar, children of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who moved to Yangon to escape war, and those working in factories and workshops in Yangon.

Currently, those who have been conscripted are being forced to fight on the frontlines. Most have died in battles, while some others have deserted the military.

While some youth whose parents are government officials were released after completing the training, the vast majority of the youth are being forced to attend military training against their will.

The military junta's People's Military Service Training is currently at its 24th batch, and a large number of youth are reportedly being recruited further for the upcoming 25th batch.

Source@onenationnews