The Myanmar junta has reportedly detained more than 200 civilians in Pinlaung-Pekon, Southern Shan State, with only some released after paying a fee, while over 140 remain in custody, according to local sources.
On 11 November, junta troops detained civilians returning from harvest in Puchel village, Pekon Township, and held them in a gymnasium in Pinlaung, the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) reported.
“The Military Council demanded 30,000 kyats per person for release. So far, around one third of the detainees have been freed after paying the fee,” said a KNDF information officer.
According to the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) and Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), most of those detained are women. IEC Secretary U Banyar Khun Aung expressed concern over recurring military offensives during harvest seasons, targeting civilians in paddy fields.
In early November, joint forces of the Military Council and Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia reportedly harvested rice from abandoned fields in conflict zones, with the grain later transported to Pinlaung. Similar incidents occurred in January 2022, when rice fields in Mine Pyat and Belley villages were seized.
“The offensive during last year’s harvest devastated Mine Pyat and Belley. This time, the operations have spread to Bochel and nearby villages,” said a local resident.
Reports from the KNDF indicate that military operations in the Pinlaung-Pekon region have led to looting, burning of homes, and widespread destruction in villages such as Nan Famu, Pin Sone, Luang Kai, Kone Pao, and Ban Mok. Troops have also targeted wards in Pekon Township.
Alongside ground offensives, the Military Council conducted over 100 airstrikes, causing significant civilian casualties. In November, six civilians, including an eight-year-old child, were killed, and five others injured in air and drone attacks, according to KNDF statements.
Concerns have been raised by the IEC and KNDF over the Military Council’s use of civilians as human shields and the potential recruitment of detainees into military service.
Revolutionary forces have temporarily retreated in the face of escalating offensives, creating a tense and uncertain situation in the region.
