The chairman of the Pao-O National Federal Council (PNFC) Khun Myint Tun, has accused the Junta of deliberately provoking division and fomenting violent conflicts among Pa-O ethnic groups, by providing a huge arms disbursement to the Pao-O National Army (PNO/PNA).
The PNA is a Military Council supplied and funded militia, that operates in an autonomous self-administered zone in southern Shan State.
Khun Myint Tun, the chairman of the PNFC, told Kantarawaddy Times, ”By employing the tactic of arming their militia, the military dictatorship is scheming to sow discord among our Pa-O people, leading them to kill each other. We fervently urge everyone to exercise caution and exhibit restraint, ensuring that the Junta’s nefarious intentions do not come to fruition.”
He also expressed his sorrow witnessing PNO arming the Pa-O people and coercing them into militia service.
"We've received reports of instances where young individuals undergo two weeks of military training before being provided with weapons. We wish to express our deep sadness regarding such occurrences”, Khun Myint Tun said.
Since January 24th, the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) has clashed with joint forces of the Military Council and PNA in Hsihseng Township. Subsequently PNA, aligned with the Junta, is coercing civilians to sign up join as militia recruits, under the pretext of ensuring security.
The PNFC asserts that the Junta and PNA are coercing locals, equipping them with weapons to serve as militia members, citing various reasons for the ongoing armed conflict, including religious, nationalist, and local defense motivations.
Khun Myint Tun emphasized that PNFC has extended an invitation to the PNO/PNA, urging it to join PNFC to prevent bloodshed and conflicts within the Pa-O ethnic community.
On January 27th, the PNFC declared its fundamental principle is to reduce armed conflicts, not only among Pa-O ethnic groups, but also across various ethnic communities, stressing the advocacy of peaceful negotiation of all conflicts..
In the midst of armed clashes in Hsihseng Township, the Military Council conducted more than 137 airstrikes and extensive shelling, leading to the devastation of numerous houses, religious structures, and other buildings, as reported by the Pa-O Youth Organization (PYO).
