Military veterans in townships in the Ayeyarwady region have been recalled and armed by the Myanmar junta, according to a veteran who spoke to Mizzima on condition of anonymity.

He said that veterans were called back for recruitment through the Veterans' Offices opened in each township, and some were persuaded by saying that an apartment or a plot of land will be given.

“The person driving a trishaw for his livelihood was recruited by saying that rations and 350,000 kyats per month as salary will be given,” said the veteran.

He said military training was given for a week and recruits were assigned to military security and city security.

“So far, no one in our group was send to the front (to fight). Guns have been returned to them. It will be known whether or not they give money at the end of the month. Only food and expenses are provided,” said the veteran who did not want to be named.

He said that those who retired at the rank of sergeant were recalled by saying that an apartment or land will be given.

“Apartments will be given to Senior veterans but it is not yet. I do not believe that they will give what they said after the election because apartments would have to be built urgently. I serve again because I was afraid there would be problems if I do not do so. My wife does not like it. I don't know how the other guys are,” he added.

He noted that more than 60 veterans had returned to the army as a result of the recall by the Military Council, most of them rejoined the army due to financial need and rights provided by the junta.

"They don't get much. As far as I know, some 60 veterans came back because it was difficult for them to make a living. There are different kinds of persons: the old men like us, alcoholics and fingerless persons and retards in the recruitment,” said another veteran.

According to some ex-servicemen who have joined the military, not only the wives of the soldiers but also their children have been trained in the military stations for the security of official’s wives because soldiers could not be assigned for the safety.

The Myanmar military is fighting a conflict on many fronts since it took power on the February coup.