Myanmar's National Unity Government Health and Education Minister: "Conscription is a Hypocritical Law that Destroys the Nation"

Zaw Wai Soe, Minister of Health and Education of the National Unity Government (NUG), a pro-democracy group formed in Myanmar to oppose the military junta that seized all power through a coup, gave an interview to the Sankei Shimbun at the 'Representative Office in Japan' in Tokyo earlier this month.

Zaw Wai Soe stated that over 5,000 citizens have been killed by the military and approximately 3 million have become internally displaced persons. He criticized the military's announced conscription system, calling it "a hypocritical law that is destroying the nation."

Zaw Wai Soe claimed that "65% of the country is controlled by the NUG and ethnic minority resistance groups." He also said that "since the coup, the military has been firing upon peaceful protesters, and we had no choice but to defend ourselves." He added that "with the support of ethnic minority resistance groups, we have formed the People's Defence Force (PDF)."

Regarding Aung San Suu Kyi, the former State Counselor, he said that "her continued imprisonment signifies that she stands with the people." He also pointed out that "if the military releases her, they will force her to speak against the armed resistance."

He dismissed the military's announcement regarding the conscription system as a "false law." Zaw Wai Soe explained, "Many young people who have fled to avoid conscription have joined our revolution, causing the People's Defence Force to grow." He added, "Others have crossed the border to free areas." He emphasized that "the economy has collapsed due to workers disappearing from cities like Yangon and Mandalay."

Regarding Aung San Suu Kyi's current situation, he said, "She was detained for a time, but we don't know her exact whereabouts now." He expressed concern, saying, "Considering her age of 78 and health condition, it is very worrisome."

Meanwhile, he urged the United Nations to investigate the military's human rights violations and war crimes.