The Burmese military authorities in Kalemyo, Sagaing division western Burma have been rounding up youths for recruitment into the army.

“In the last week of February, military personnel came to our village, Min Hla, at about 10 pm. They detained four youths, but three of them escaped. The one left behind Taung Taung (18) son of Kapthuam of Min Hla village, Pin taw Oo tract Kalemyo township is still in custody to be recruited as a soldier,” said a local in the village.

Soldiers are visiting one village after another in search of youths forcing them to stay indoors at night. A member of Min Hla Block Peace and Development Council (BPDC) said about 20 youths were detained this year for recruitment into the army.

Military personnel in Tamu Township, Sagaing division had arrested 15 youths and sent them to the military training centre in January 2010.

All the arrested youths are provided military training in In daing Kyi centre in Kalemyo Township.-