The Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) has accused the junta and its ally militia group, the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), of collaboratively burning civilian homes in Hsihseng Township, southern Shan State.
Starting August 5, the junta-PNO coalition launched a large-scale advance into the Nawngkyaw and Taungshey village tracts of Hsihseng Township, sparking clashes with the PNLA.
On August 9, junta-PNO forces entered Nawnghtaw Village and set fire to at least 24 houses.
“They even killed a villager when they raided Salaunghtaung Village. We want to ask the PNO—why are you killing your own people and burning their homes? Just for power? The PNO began as a group born from the people, but now it has become a tool that can be used at will. It has turned into an instrument of the dictator. We urge the PNO to recognize this reality and step away,” said Khun Rein Yan, spokesperson for the PNLA.
He added that the PNO-junta coalition has now also seized Nawnghtaw Village and is shelling the PNLA headquarters with artillery.
“Even though most Pa-O people are involved, the PNO does not truly represent them. It’s shameful that they’re just doing whatever the junta tells them—burning villages and killing people. It’s disgusting. The PNO must be held accountable in the future for burning Pa-O villages,” PNLA spokesperson said.
Major Khun Than Kywe, a PNO official, denied that the PNO had burned the villages and claimed that Nawnghtaw Village is now officially under PNO control.
“We didn’t set anything on fire. If anyone doesn’t believe us and wants to see for themselves, we’ll provide a security escort. There are no active battles right now. We’re back in Nawnghtaw Village and have regained all the territory west of the Pun Stream. The bombardments are being carried out by the junta, not us,” he said.
On June 6, the PNO forcibly evicted over 6,000 residents from several villages in the Nawngkyaw and Nawnghtaw village tracts of Hsihseng Township without providing any specific reason.
These displaced residents are currently taking refuge in Hsihseng Town and Hpayarhpyu Village and are in urgent need of shelter and food.
