By Ma Ma - Dec 23, 2024

After reports of forced conscription surfaced in quick succession, foot traffic in typically crowded areas of Yangon has noticeably decreased, and sales have declined, according to shopkeepers.

Currently, the presence of military vehicles patrolling even inside residential areas has caused significant fear and anxiety among the public.

"By 7:00 p.m., people start disappearing. Normally, sales are high after 8:00 p.m., but now, who’s left to sell to? It seems like the forced conscription reports, along with power outages, have made people stay home," said a restaurant owner from Shwe Pyi Thar Township.

Due to this situation, shopkeepers are facing challenges and are worried about how they will sustain their businesses moving forward.

"Shop rents are increasing, electricity meter charges are going up, and taxes are piling on. It really hits hard if we can’t sell enough for even one day. The problem is that people are already struggling to financial strain, and now with all these alarming reports, everyone is anxious. The future isn’t going to be easy," said a business owner.

Currently, the reports of forced conscription have also caused employees of small, privately-owned shops to feel concerned about their safety while traveling, while shop owners themselves struggle to keep their businesses afloat.