SHAN STATE – The gunfire and artillery shelling by the terrorist junta council in Hsihseng and Pinlaung Townships of Pa’O Self-administered Region in southern Shan State killed five civilians and seriously wounded five.
The attacks were deliberately carried out by the junta council and subordinate Pa’O National Army (PNA) militia and all the six civilians killed were said to be displaced people.
“The junta council is trying to drive a wedge between the people and the revolutionary forces. (They are trying to send a message that) If there are PDF forces present in your village, you will be killed and your houses will be destroyed. Even if you are not involved in revolutionary activities, this will be the outcome if you accepted them. It’s two birds with one stone. If the civilians were harmed, they will claim it’s because the civilians accepted the PDF. If the PDF forces are harmed, it’s even better for them,” explained a Pa’O activist.
Junta forces intentionally shelled the villages of Naungthein, Twaypu, Ponglaung and Naungkyaw in Hsihseng Township on April 8, 10, 18 and 24, killing five civilians.
Moreover, five people were said to have been seriously wounded and are still receiving treatment.
The dead and injured people are all residents of Naungthein, Twaypu, Naungkyaw and Phyitakhawt Villages and they all temporarily returned to their villages or homes to retrieve water and food.
Similarly at Pinsone Village in Pinlaung Township, a 4 year old child was killed by the heavy artillery shelling of the junta council on April 10 and four residents were seriously wounded, according to Pa’O National Liberation Army (PNLA).
The junta council also fired over 50 rounds of 120mm shells into Hsihseng Town on March 24, Pa’O National Day, destroying houses and religious buildings, according to local activists.