Ineligible youths recruited under NDEP in Mrauk-U, families say

By Admin 14 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 September 2026, Mrauk-U

Family members reported that nine youths ineligible under the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) were among recruits taken from Innshae Village in Mrauk-U Township.

Of the 37 young people recruited from Innshae Village under the NDEP on September 2, nine male and female youths aged between 15 and 17 were taken alongside eligible recruits.

“Recruiters called for one youth per household from the village for military service. Many individuals under 18 were taken. Active students and fathers with children were exempted,” a female resident of Innshae Village said.

The United League of Arakan (ULA) enacted the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) in Arakan State in May 2025. Under NDEP guidelines, mandatory military service applies to males aged 18 to 45 and females aged 18 to 35 for a two-year service period.

Families of the ineligible youths taken from Innshae Village are urging local administrative officials to discharge and return them to their parents.

“My son is only 16 years old. He was taken for military service. We understood that NDEP regulations exclude anyone under 18. Some of these young people also have underlying medical conditions. We want officials to hand back those who do not meet NDEP criteria,” said the father of one recruited youth.

Another family member whose relative was recruited said, “My 17-year-old niece was taken during the recruitment call. We are deeply worried about her safety and well-being. Her mother has been crying non-stop.”

Local administrative officials previously stated that the Arakan Army does not accept underage youths, students, individuals with medical conditions, or pregnant women for military service.

Underage or medically unfit recruits have been discharged and returned to their parents in recent weeks.

On September 7, military authorities returned two underage youths who voluntarily presented themselves for service, along with one youth with medical issues, to their parents in Mrauk-U Township.

Earlier, on September 1, a 13-year-old sixth-grade student who voluntarily sought military enlistment was similarly returned to his parents.