Yangon, February 22 – Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has announced that the war in the country will continue.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 128th intake of cadets at the Officer Training School (Bahtoo) yesterday, Min Aung Hlaing stated that armed conflict remains necessary.
He claimed that some ethnic armed organizations refuse to abandon the armed struggle and are collaborating with the National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) to expand their controlled territories under the pretense of political reasons.
According to him, the military is acting in accordance with the 2008 Constitution and must defend the nation at all costs. He asserted that the ongoing war is legitimate and that the military will continue its offensives to reclaim and secure territories, working alongside the people.
Forced Conscription Intensifies
On February 10, 2024, the military leader enacted the People’s Military Service Law, enforcing compulsory military service. Since May of last year, young men aged 18 to 35 have been forcibly conscripted, with the conscription program now reaching its 10th batch.
The military junta previously announced that 5,000 young men would be recruited every month. Following this declaration, widespread reports have emerged of large-scale forced conscriptions and abductions of young people across the country.