Tun Naing
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 1, 2003.

Authorities in Nam Hkam town, Shan state, have been forcing young people to undertake compulsory basic military training since July 14th this year.

Youth from Nam Hkam Town and other neighboring villages were allegedly taken to Light Infantry Battalion (45) military camp and were given basic military training and exercises in fire extinguishing.

According to a Nam Hkam local, around 200 youth from Nam Hkam and 100 from
other neighboring villages have attended the training.

It has been reported that spouses of detention officials were also given the
basic military training.

In a further development in the same region, police and military intelligence have imposed a 10 pm curfew for all residents. Anyone found outside after that time is arrested, and forced to pay a ransom of 20-30 thousand kyats for their release.

Following the brutal clash at Debeyin between government backed militias and NLD supporters, the military regime is said to be instigating many changes evidenced by the increasing numbers being given military training, greater restrictions in accessing military areas, and a reorganisation of the military command structure.