Shanni Milotia Forcibly Recruits Underage Youths in Mohnyin

Pajau Media

May 16, 2025

Residents of Mohnyin town in Kachin State report that the Shanni militia is forcibly abducting underage youths to enforce mandatory military service.

"One youth from Bung Chaung village in Innkone village tract was conscripted despite being only 16 years old. The boy suffers from a heart condition and has no siblings—he lives alone with his mother. Such actions clearly demonstrate that the Shanni militia is actively enforcing military conscription laws in Shanni territory," said a 49-year-old man.

Most of the forcibly recruited youths are reportedly undergoing military training at the KBC church compound in Nam Mun Aung Myae checkpoint.

"Before conducting conscription drives, Shanni Militia troops typically patrol villages for five days. Then, they secretly abduct young people. They even use charity vehicles for forced recruitment. Now, villagers panic at the sound of cars outside their homes," the man added.

Continuous forced recruitment targets individuals aged 12 to 55, regardless of gender. Currently, over 5,000 trainees are undergoing military training at the KBC church in Aung Myae gate.

Additionally, during the Thingyan festival period, Shanni militia lured youths by offering free meals—including shwe yin aye (a traditional dessert), and noodle dishes—before detaining them in the church compound and forcing them into military training.

Since gaining authority to enforce conscription laws, Shanni militia troops have occupied several monasteries in villages and have been forcibly recruiting underage youths for nearly five months.

News – Kachin Pyi Thar