Hundreds of youths from rural areas in Lashio Township, northern Shan State, are being recruited by junta-backed local militia forces for the Burmese Army since last month, local sources said.

The recruitment drive is led by Bo Mon, leader of Wanpang militia, in areas between Lashio and Tangyan townships under its control.

 “One person from every household in each village and village tract must enlist for military service,” said a local resident in Mong Yaw village tract who did not want to be named.

Till date, over 200 youths from Nam Pawng, Man Pang, Mong Yaw, Mong Tawm and Mong Ha villages have left for Pyinmana, near the new capital Naypyitaw, a source said.

To evade recruitment, many have fled to towns and others have left to stay in monasteries as monks.  However, some were unable to flee as they were followed and forcibly disrobed by the group. Families and relatives are also being threatened, said another source.

People who can afford to, have to pay at least Kyat 300,000 ($ 273) per person in order to avoid being drafted. “Naturally, there are only a few who can pay,” he said.

The Burmese Army has reportedly planned to send local militia forces to the frontline to fight against the anti-Naypyitaw Shan State Army (SSA) ‘South’ and other groups, said a businessman who is  close to an officer from the regional command in Lashio.

“The Tamataw will force the militias to fight against rebels, the same way it is using the DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) to fight against KNU (Karen National Union) in the south,” he said.

In June, the joint forces of the Burmese Army and the DKBA had overrun the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)’s 7th Brigade base following a military offensive against the KNLA, the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU).