In yet another instance of high handedness the Burmese Army has been forcing villagers in Shan State to join pro-junta local militia forces, according to reliable sources.

The Chairman of the Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council and Commander of North-East Region Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut, between August 24 and 25, called on officials from local militias in Mong Yaw, Wan Pang, Mong Ha and the Kachin Defence Army  and ordered recruitment of people for providing necessary security.

On August  27, officers from the Military Operations Command No. 16 in Hsenwi, called on the villagers from every village tract to be ready to attend militia training, said a villager who wished to be anonymous.

 "On August 29, some people were still sending the list of names to the
officials, while some people were asking for exemption," he said. "Each person from every household, village and village tract must go for the services."

People who refused to comply with the order will be taken to the local command post to explain.

Coincidently, the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) led by Col Yawd Serk was also on a recruiting campaign in Southern Shan State during early August, according to border sources.