It is learned that the SNA (Shanni Nationalities Army, also known as Shanni Army) under the military junta in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, is recruiting new soldiers by inciting ethnic hatred.
According to some residents, the SNA has been recruiting new soldiers through ethnic hatred and persuading with money in SNA-controlled areas in the upper part of Homalin Township since January.
“The SNA has done this to the Shanni people in Homalin Township before. Since they have joined the junta’s army, they are recruiting not only the Shan people but also all races. One person per village, one person per head of ten households. As their forces have decreased a lot, more work has been done on this issue,” said an official from the Homalin People’s Defense Force (HPDF 124) (Hkamti District Battalion 3).
On January 29, in Namtaw Sanpya Village, Homalin Township, 10 household heads and village heads collected MMK 100,000 per household, 30,000 to 50,000 for tenants, 500,000 for large businesses, and 300,000 for small businesses.
A local PDF soldier said, “The SNA has racially mistreated the Shanni people. They name us, the PDFs of the KIA, and say that the KIA has invaded the Shanni area. They recruit by saying like that. There are people who follow their words because of the lack of education in our region. Then they pay money and recruit people. Then, they force collect money from people.”
The collected money will be given MMK 8,000,000 to the person who joins SNA, representing Namtaw Village.
It is reported that the people of Hue Hpala, Naung Taw, Nar Maw, Marlon, Aung Thaw and Ywa Nge villages in Hommalin Township have fled their homes because the SNA is recruiting soldiers.
It is reported that the SNA is recruiting new soldiers to regain control of Shwe Pyi Aye, which was controlled by the revolutionary forces.