Conscripts in 28th weekly draft include those around 40 and LGBT individuals

People in their 40s and LGBT individuals among those forcibly conscripted for weekly batch (28)

September 4

Young people illegally conscripted from townships in Magway Region for military service weekly batch (28) have reportedly been medically examined and transported to the military training school in Mankat, northern Shan State.

Young people conscripted for military service on September 1 from townships in lower Magway Region were temporarily gathered at the Shan regiment camp in Upper Minhla, medically examined at the examination center in Magway city, and then transported to the military training school in Mankat on September 2 using military FAW vehicles, according to sources.

"They were first taken by passenger line buses to the artillery regiment in Upper Minhla. From there, after being fed, they were sent to Magway. After medical examination in Magway, they had to return to Minhla. From there, they were sent straight to Mankat," said a woman close to a conscript.

Among those detained in weekly batches (27) and (28), some LGBT individuals who had undergone breast modification to appear feminine, as well as those aged over 35 and around 40, were reportedly included.

"In last week's batch (27) from the Thayet side, there were also people around 40. A person from Mindon was seized while coming to Thayet to shop at the market. Since no conscripts could be obtained from the Mindon side, they started grabbing even older people. In towns where they can't get conscripts, they're focusing on people up to age 40. This week also includes people around 40. An LGBT couple was seized in Thayet. The young man wasn't taken because he was underage. But the LGBT person was included in the conscripts," said a person close to the Magway conscription group.

Within Magway Region, those under the junta government are violating even their own enacted laws to seize conscripts at will, while also arresting critics under Section 505, causing residents across Magway Region to live in fear and silence, according to sources.