Bombing Incident Targets Ward Office During Military Recruitment Meeting in Mohnyin

Pajau Media Channel

22nd March, 2024

On March 21st at 8:20 PM, an unidentified group conducted a bombing at the administrative office of Nar Khar Ward in Kachin State. The purpose of this meeting was to enlist young civilians for military service.

An eyewitness reported "I heard an explosion during a rainstorm and initially mistook it for thunder. However, upon further inquiry, it was discovered that the ward office had been targeted. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the office fence sustained damage. As of this morning, the Nar Khar ward office remains unoccupied."

The motive behind this bombing is still unclear, but it is speculated that the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) may be responsible due to their opposition to the Conscription Law.

Another local resident provided additional information, stating that "Militias dressed in civilian clothing have been observed recruiting individuals in certain neighborhoods. Notably, these recruitment efforts appear to be concentrated in areas where military service summons are not actively issued. This suggests that the PDF may be issuing warnings to local authorities to exercise caution."

On March 19th, the State Administrative Council (SAC) announced through the governor that two young men from Bi Lu Town had been assigned to serve in the military. A 25-year-old man voluntarily registered for military service, according to a local resident.

The SAC requested two young men from Bi Lu town, Mohnyin Township, for military service. Upon receiving the governor’s letter, only one individual willingly submitted a list to serve in the military, while the other individual’s whereabouts remain unknown. The governor refrained from conducting a draw to select an additional young civilian for military service.

Furthermore, the SAC has already issued instructions to enlist young civilians for military service from March 17th in certain neighborhoods of Mohnyin Town. Bi Lu town comprises eight wards: Thayetkone Ward, Shwe Kyin Kone Ward, Mya Thida Ward, Ong San Sai Ward, Myo Haung Ward, Thar Yar Kone Ward, Kanthar Kone Ward, and SuSee Ward. It is estimated that there are a total of 2,758 males over the age of 18 residing in the town.

News – Kachin Pyi Thar