Parents Worried as Underage Girls Involved in Recruitment by Resistance Forces in Sengtawng Village

Pajau Media

October 7, 2025

On October 4 around 2:00 p.m. in Sik Mu Village, Seng Taung, Hpakant, parents have expressed concern after learning that underage girls were involved during a recruitment effort by a local resistance force. They are now calling for the immediate release of the children.

“A group came into the forest area and took them. The youths were doing cleaning work at the Pyi Lone Chan Thar Pagoda in Sik Mu for the full moon day, and altogether eight of them were taken, starting with girls aged around 16 and 17,” an eyewitness said.

Public criticism has arisen over the fact that these children, who were helping with religious festival preparations, were pulled away even up to the pagoda compound. Locals are urging the forces to refrain from actions resembling those of the military council and to show genuine concern for the people instead.

Earlier this month, a separate incident occurred when a man reportedly fell to his death from a cliff after running away in fear during another recruitment attempt. According to local residents, when recruitment drives occur, the resistance forces usually release certain groups such as minors and students, CDM participants and current civil servants, people with disabilities, those in poor health, and families that already have one member serving in the resistance.

News: Kachin Pyithar