A lawmaker in Mandalay has questioned the reported abduction-like recruitment of young people for military service and the emergence of armed “people’s militia” groups allegedly operating in the city, according to a parliamentary session held on June 10.

During the third regular session of the Mandalay Region Parliament, MP U Ko Ko Htwe asked whether authorities would take action against unregulated militia activities. He warned that young people were living in fear due to unclear and forceful recruitment practices.

He said: “Youth in Mandalay are being taken in a way similar to human trafficking for military service, and some are being released only after paying money. People are afraid and cannot go out at night because they don’t know who will be taken next.”

He also questioned the presence of armed groups operating without clear coordination with the military, saying: “These so-called militia groups are moving around with weapons and even unregistered vehicles, and their activities look like an illegal market of forced recruitment. The public is asking what protection the elected government can provide.”

In response, Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Nay Lin Soe said authorities are enforcing regulations on militia groups. He stated: “We are supervising compliance with the 13 codes of conduct for militia groups, and those who violate rules or disobey orders will be taken action against according to the law. Complaints will be investigated and dealt with effectively.”

U Ko Ko Htwe later clarified that he was referring to irregular armed groups, not officially cooperating local defence units, adding that even minors had reportedly been taken in some cases, and that unclear accountability makes it difficult for families to report or recover affected youths.