SHAN STATE – The Pa’O National Liberation Army (PNLA) announced on January 29 that because of the lack of security due to the bombing and heavy weapon attacks by the military junta council and subordinate Pyithusit militia targeting Hsihseng Township, the evacuees are requested to not yet return to their homes and to temporarily shelter in safe places.
For this reason, the civilians are advised to not enter Hsihseng, return home or take their belongings to avoid any unnecessary damage.
On January 28, due to the military junta council bombing from the air, and attacking with firebombs, civilian property in Hsihseng was destroyed by fire, and three thieves who were stealing public property were arrested and legal action was taken.
A resident said, “Reversals have happened. The rebels are arresting the robbers in place of the police. The rebels are protecting the people.”
Three Pyithusit militiamen under the junta council who were waiting to ambush the PNLA column that was conducting security were also arrested with one M22 gun, drugs and bullets but PNLA announced to have let them live because they would not fight each other as Pa’O people.
He said that the militiamen under the military junta are once again specially urged to get out of the military dictatorship and move to the path of national liberation as soon as possible.
The PNLA statement said that although they know that the people may be affected by the military junta council, they cannot sacrifice the people under a worse military regime, so they have to choose this method.
They also asked for the understanding of the people regarding the current situation in order to build a stable and peaceful social life in a federal democratic union that guarantees equality throughout the country.