The TLNA is conducting a census to form a city security force in Mogok, Mandalay Region, and Kutkai, northern Shan State. It is also known that censuses are being conducted in all other cities they have captured. So far, only Ta’ang (Palaung) ethnic groups are being recruited in the TNLA-controlled cities, and other ethnic groups are allowed to join the army if they wish to do so. Locals of all ethnic groups will be recruited to serve in the city’s security forces, it said. There is no specific time frame for when they will serve in the city security forces.
The TNLA has not yet clarified the issue of the census among the people of Mogok, and some residents are leaving the city due to concerns. However, they cannot avoid it and are staying in the liberated areas. In areas controlled by the EAO, there are also increasing reports of people facing difficulties.
