U Shwe Min, a militia leader under the control of the coup-regime, has issued an order stating that, every Lisu family residing in Kachin State must register to join the “people’s militia’, with one registration per household. Failure to register within the specified timeframe will result in the militia visiting their homes to recruit them.
On October 30, the Shwe Min 's militia, a subsidiary of the regime forces, released a statement announcing its intention to enlist new members for the “people's militia.”
The statement specified that registration must occur between November 9 and 22.
Since November 2021, the Shwe Min People's Militia has been operating under the name "Wuyang People's Militia" following the military coup. They have set up checkpoints in the vicinity of Wuyang Village in Waingmaw Township.
U Shwe Min has informed KNG that the recruitment of new militia members will be conducted in every area where the Lisu people reside, beginning with Waingmaw Township in Kachin State.
"Primarily, we will commence our recruitment efforts in Waingmaw, focusing specifically on the Lisu community. We won't be recruiting members from other ethnic groups in Waingmaw. However, for those from different ethnic backgrounds interested in joining the people's militia, they are welcome to do so. Our initial focus is on the Lisu population. Following Waingmaw, we will expand our recruitment to other areas, including Myitkyina, where Lisu communities are prevalent. We have Lisu communities in various places, such as Putao, Kawnglanghpu, Chipwi, and Tsawlaw. Our recruitment efforts will proceed gradually."
U Shwe Min also emphasized that, while the primary focus of the recruitment effort is on young people for military service, there will also be a need for the participation of the elderly.
"The most crucial factor is the ability of the individuals involved. Some are capable well into their 50s, while others face health challenges regardless of their age. Our primary focus will be on recruiting young people, but we also value the contributions of the elderly. For instance, those who can boil hot water will handle that task, those skilled at lighting fires will be responsible for it, and those capable of keeping watch will assume that duty. If someone can contribute to the well-being of the nation in any way, we will acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. This is a consensus we all share."
This group is actively involved in the conflict between the KIA and the troops of the Military Council in cooperation with the Military Council.
The declaration made by the Wuyang People's Militia , mandates all Lisu men must serve in the military, and in facing growing criticism from local residents.
Lisu artist Ko Yotifa expressed concerns that the statement and the recruitment actions by the Shwe Min People's Militia bring unwelcome news for Lisu people.
"This is distressing news for our Lisu community. It appears they are planning to exploit Lisu people in some manner, possibly recruiting them to accompany them in dangerous situations because they don't want to face such situations alone. I think they will be able to carry out some of their recruitment plans as announced, particularly in Waingmaw and Myitkyina. However I have doubts about their ability to do so in more remote areas. It seems they intend to enforce recruitment jointly with the junta forces. This seems like a step too far. Even with the support of the Lisu National Development Party (LNDP), they may not have the capacity to influence the entire Kachin State."
Presently there is a state of conflict between the Military Council forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State. Military camps around Laiza, where the KIA's headquarters are situated, are gradually falling into the hands of the resistance,and the Junta’s forces are suffering significant losses from all directions.
In addition to the loss of their camps, the Military Council forces that were sent as reinforcements from Nam San Yang are also sustaining a high number of casualties. This has led local residents to speculate that the Military Council is recruiting new soldiers to replenish its manpower.
This recruitment plan is further evidence of dwindling numbers of the Military Council’s regular forces and their increasing dependence on militias. Chairman General N'ban La, during the 63rd anniversary of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) on October 25th, emphasized that local residents should refrain from joining these militia groups.
