It is reported that Pa-O Militia (PNO – Pa-O National Organization) is forcibly recruiting local residents in Hopong Township, Southern Shan State, as new soldiers under the pretext of security.
Men between the ages of 16 and 40 are being forcibly recruited as militia in at least five villages in HopongTownship, Special Region (6), Pa-O Autonomous Region, a reliable source said.
“Villagers from Pa-O villages were summoned yesterday (January 28th). The junta army armed residents in order to secure the native brothers and the people of Pa-O. In fact, they added manpower to the PNO,” he said.
When asked about this, a local resident in Hopong Township told MPA that the junta forces were behind the scenes and the Pa-O Militia (PNO) led the junta army armed recruits.
“They forced villagers from Pa-O villages, Hopong, to draw lots. The winner got to serve as a PNO militia. They gave each recruit an automatic gun, four magazines of ammunition, and a uniform suit,” he said.
A reliable source said that those who won the lot must to do sentry duty in Pa-O villages.
“They (PNO) didn’t send recruits to battlefield at once. Those who won the lot must do sentry duty at night and follow the orders of the PNO during the day,” he said.
Currently, the Pa-O Militia (PNO) has received more than 100 militiamen, and the relevant villages must provide food and salary for these recruits, MPA has investigated.