On March 19, Myanmar's People's Party issued a statement highlighting anxieties surrounding the application of the recently enacted People's Military Service Law.
The statement acknowledges the nation's ongoing struggles, emphasizing the dire political, military, educational, health, economic, and social hardships currently faced by the people.
The party acknowledges the law's passage, noting its enactment in November 2010 and its scheduled activation in February 2024 by the State Administration Council. However, the statement emphasizes the significant public concern surrounding the law. News of alleged corruption and a reported surge in people fleeing the country have further fueled these anxieties.
The People's Party also raises specific concerns about the law's impact on Myanmar's private sector. The statement highlights the confusion among private factory employees regarding temporary exemptions, with many believing these exemptions only apply to civil servants. This fear of potential service has reportedly led to a rise in employee departures, hindering the smooth operation of businesses.
The statement delves into specific legal aspects of the law, particularly regarding its implementation at the local level. The party clarifies that Chapter 3, Section 7(a) of the law grants authority to form regional, district, and township bodies for summoning military recruits. However, it emphasizes that this power is not extended to ward or village authorities.
The statement further clarifies the role of ward and village administration councils (formerly Peace and Development Councils) in the implementation process. While Section 8 of the law tasks these councils with compiling and submitting lists of eligible individuals to township bodies by January 1 each year, the People's Party stresses that their role is limited to compiling and forwarding the list. They lack the authority to cancel exemptions, conduct selections, or participate in lottery processes.
In light of these concerns, the People's Party urges the State Administration Council to take specific actions:
Publish Clear and Uniform National Regulations: The party emphasizes the need for readily accessible, nationwide regulations governing the application of the People's Military Service Law. This would significantly alleviate public anxiety by ensuring transparency and consistency in the implementation process.
Prohibit and Punish Unlawful Acts: The party calls for a clear stance against any unauthorized actions taken under the law's umbrella. This includes prohibiting and taking punitive measures against individuals or bodies exceeding the legal boundaries established by the law.
By implementing these recommendations, the People's Party believes that the State Administration Council can effectively address public concerns and ensure a lawful and transparent application of the People's Military Service Law.
