Officials flee Hpa-An to avoid the Junta’s conscription plan

In April, the Junta ordered Karen State ministries to select individuals from among civil servants under their authority for military training and service, after which certain department heads submitted chosen personnel names for conscription without notifying the individual.

“We recently learned that the lists were sent to Naypyidaw in April. Department heads made selections without informing their subordinates. When the elected personnel were told about the mandatory military training, they reacted angrily. Some resigned, others quietly left staff housing with their families, and now they no longer come to their offices,” Hpa-An sources told KIC.

“Clashes continue in all townships of Karen State except Hpa-An and Hlaingbwe. Despite the persistent risks, department employees perform their duties cautiously. However, they find it increasingly difficult to cope. Junta employees and veterans alike are being drafted into military service, facing the harsh reality of frontline deployment amid the Junta’s widespread misfortunes,” a resident of Hpa-An noted.

Department heads offered incentives to employees selected for conscription, promising them an additional salary in addition to their current wages during military service, and assuring them of favorable treatment and consideration for promotion upon their return to their original department.

Of the seven townships in Karen State, Hpapun has been captured by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces, while the Junta has also lost control of Kyaikdon subtownship, part of Kyainseikgyi township.

KNLA-led joint forces also continue to attack Junta bases and outposts in Myawaddy, Kawkareik and Thandaung townships. Military tension remains high in Kyainseikgyi Municipality, especially in Kyaikdon and Payathonzu (Three Pagodas Pass) sub-municipalities.

The Karen state government under the Junta has urged Kawkareik staff who temporarily fled during the fighting to return to their offices. However, according to sources close to the workforce community, many people have chosen not to return to work and forego their salaries. Some have cut off contact with their work departments and others have even submitted letters of resignation.

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