SHAN STATE – The junta subordinate Pa’O Pyithusit militia PNA is said to be forcibly recruiting soldiers in Kyauktalonegyi Town, southern Shan State.
It is said that PNA demanded one male between 18 and 40 years of age per house in the town and also collected one lakh Kyats per house as well, starting January 26.
“One person per house is mandatory. They have already started military training. Since it was too late for them to run away at that time, they had to join even if they didn’t want to,” said a resident.
Those who don’t want to join were ordered to pay 20 lakhs Kyats and as most of the residents live on daily wages, they couldn’t pay nor refuse the order.
Moreover, PNA is also said to be demanding two lakhs Kyats per house in Phatkun Village of Kyauktalonegyi Township as military expenses and the residents reportedly had to take out loans to afford it.
Meanwhile, close sources revealed that PNA spread propaganda that the forced recruitment and extortion were being done by Colonel Khun Thura of Pa’O National Liberation Army (PNLA).
Since the battles started in Hsihseng, the junta council and its subordinate PNA have been forcibly recruiting troops and demanding exorbitant amount of money from the civilians in the regions under their control.
