The Pa-O National Army (PNA), a junta-aligned militia group operating in southern Shan State, has been accused of extorting millions of dollars from families of individuals working abroad.

In Hsihseng Town, the PNA is demanding financial contributions from local families, citing the need to provide community security. This extortion intensified in late July, with PNA officials summoning community leaders in Hpayarhpyu Village to collect money by the end of the month.

An attendee of the meeting described it as more akin to a coercive operation than a constructive dialogue, stating, "There was no opportunity for villagers to express their difficulties. The meeting felt more like a robbery."

The PNA has set specific demands: families of overseas workers are required to contribute 1 million MMK, while households with only elderly men over 60 must pay 500000 MMK. Households with only women remaining are being asked for 300000 MMK.

Failure to meet these demands has led to threats of conscription into the militia. Households without eligible men are warned they will need to pay 10 million MMK in installments to cover the cost of finding replacements.

A village woman currently working in Thailand expressed her frustration, saying, “The costs of working abroad are already high, including official taxes. After contributing to revolutionary causes, we now face extortion from the PNA, leaving us unable to support our families.”

Previously, the PNA had collected substantial sums from villagers, claiming it was for military expenses for the year. The community's trust has eroded due to repeated demands for similar contributions.

While clashes in Hsihseng have subsided, skirmishes persist in Nyaungshwe and Pinlaung townships between the PNA, alongside other junta-aligned groups, and the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA).