Women in several townships across Yangon are reportedly being forced to pay monthly fees to local officials in order to avoid military conscription, according to accounts from residents.
Local sources in North Okkalapa, Mayangone, and Hlaing townships say ward administrators have been holding meetings to inform households of the new charges. The required payments vary significantly, ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 kyats per month based on a family’s income level. These fees are being collected from households with members who fall within the military’s conscription age range.
“We have to pay 50,000 kyats every month. If we don’t, they say we could be taken,” one woman from Mayangone explained. “But even when we pay, there’s no real guarantee we’ll be safe from being drafted.”
Residents describe armed officials visiting homes to collect the money, creating an atmosphere of fear, especially as many families already struggle with rising inflation and high commodity prices.
Many eligible women are exploring ways to avoid service, such as attempting to prove they are enrolled in education programs or making plans to leave the country—though escape routes are narrowing. Travel restrictions have tightened for those of conscription age, limiting their options.
Under the current Military Service Law, men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 can be conscripted. Specialists, including doctors and engineers, may be drafted up to the age of 45 for men and 35 for women. Service terms begin at two years but can be extended to five during a state of emergency.
Reports from local sources and pro-military Telegram channels indicate the military is now training its 17th batch of conscripts and has begun recruiting for an 18th batch—allegedly through methods that include abductions, roadside arrests, and name-based targeting.
