Escape from Myanmar: New law throws the country into turmoil

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Following the coup in Myanmar three years ago, the administration changed hands, and widespread uprisings began in the country. After the uprising turned into an armed resistance in less than a year, the country found itself in a civil war. Although the Myanmar administration does not define the situation as a civil war, the army forces in Myanmar are fighting a war waged on 'front lines' against the armed resistance.

The ongoing armed resistance against the junta administration has recently made the situation increasingly difficult for the country's leadership. The administration, which is struggling to gain control, especially in rural areas in Myanmar, is unable to make progress on the front lines.

AT LEAST TWO YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR WOMEN AND MEN

Following the failure to achieve success in military operations and the spread of the armed resistance, Myanmar's junta government decided to change the conscription law. According to the new law, all men between the ages of 18-35 and all women between the ages of 18-27 must serve in the army for up to two years. On the other hand, it has been legislated that those in professions such as medicine must remain in the army for up to three years. Additionally, according to the new law, those who evade mandatory military service will be subject to imprisonment for 3 to 5 years and fines.

The law has essentially existed since 2010, but it will begin to be implemented with the government's new decision.

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE FLEEING

Since the law change was brought to the agenda in Myanmar, the country's youth have been looking for ways to flee to different countries, primarily neighboring Thailand. According to CNN, regional experts fear that the situation in Myanmar could trigger a major population movement in Southeast Asia. The ongoing war in Myanmar has so far caused at least hundreds of thousands of people to become refugees.

Young people in the age range covered by the law have formed long queues in front of consulates in Yangon, the country's largest city, to obtain visas for other countries. While the neighboring Thai consulate, in particular, has been struggling with density in recent days, many Myanmar citizens have also applied to go to European countries and the USA.

DESERTIONS, CASUALTIES, AND INSURRECTION HAVE EXHAUSTED THE ARMY

According to experts, the conscription law is a desperate attempt for the junta regime. According to reports from media outlets following Myanmar, the Myanmar army is on the verge of exhaustion due to military losses on the front, the desertion of a large number of soldiers, and insurrections within the army. Whether the army, which is trying to heal its wounds with the conscription law, can successfully carry out the mobilization remains a question mark.