Some reserve firefighters in the Ayeyarwady Region have reportedly fled or resigned from their positions, in order to advoid attending training sessions in firing small arms organized by the Military Council, local sources said.

The 271st Light Infantry Division, stationed in Pathein operating under the Southwestern Regional Military Command, has been conducting weekly small arms training in certain neighborhoods since the second week of February. However it has been reported that five individuals who were attending mandatory military training have absconded, while an additional 15 individuals who were instructed to join the training have resigned from the fire brigade.

"When people are required to attend army training, it is preferable for them to bring their own food, as the food options provided are inadequate. The food provided consists of rough rice, Talabaw soup, and fish paste that is of such poor quality, that even pigs can’t eat it. They don’t even serve lentil soup. Trainees were informed that they may be required to join the army when necessary, however there was no\ desire from the civilians to do so. Of those who fled from the training, the majority were from Ward No. 5”, a source said.

The 271st Light Infantry Division, which operates under the Southwestern Regional Military Command, is located near Pathein Airport and is primarily responsible for ensuring coastal security and counterterrorism in the Ayeyarwady Region, sources claimed.

 The majority of individuals who settled with the permission by the Military Council in Ward No. 5, were located in the railway yard of the Pan Tin Kote area ,are vendors who have to travel long distances, as well as thieves, pickpockets, and other criminal elements. Many of those who have recently resigned as the reserve firefighters, have previously received payment for participating in military support events.

The reserve firefighters were instructed to collect 5000 kyats from each household for their military training. Some former members of the reserve fire brigade had received small arms training.

“Previously, reserve fire brigades were only provided with basic military knowledge without any involvement of firearms. However , due to the current security situation, military training is being so that they can be summoned to take up arms when necessary”, a former junior officer of the reserve fire brigade said.

The Military Council has covertly planned to provide military training, equipment, weapons, and uniforms to form Pyu-Saw-Htee militia units in 75 wards and villages of Pathein. Each unit will consist of 10 members.

In mid-2022, several villages in Kyonpyaw Township saw their young people being forcibly conscripted into the Pyu-Saw-Htee militia. When the 36th Light Infantry Division, based in Kyonpyaw started providing military training to these youths, over 30 of them fled.