Pa-O PMF Soldiers Detained During Clashes in Hsihseng Township
By Network Media Group
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
The Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) arrested two members of the People’s Militia Force (PMF), who were forcibly recruited by the Burma army, during ongoing fighting in southern Shan State.
A PNLA officer told NMG that they captured the enemy soldiers during a patrol near the village of Loi Putt over a week ago. “PMF soldiers attacked our troops from the mountain where there’s a pagoda.” He explained that they captured the two soldiers when their troops ascended the mountain and cleared the area. Up to seven PMF soldiers managed to escape, the officer said.
The PMF in Hsihseng Township, which was formerly known as the Pa-O National Organisation before the armed group transformed into a militia under the State Administration Council (SAC), is now referred to as the ‘Pa-O PMF’ by locals.
Locals have reported that the Burma army is forcibly recruiting local men aged between 18 to 40 to fight against resistance forces.
Khun Maung La and Khun Maung Sein were randomly selected to join the PMF during a ‘lucky draw’. They were forced to attend 15 days of basic military training provided by the regime before being deployed to the front line and captured by the PNLA.
Another PNLA officer said the pair had a walkie-talkie and some methamphetamine pills in their possession. “We have yet to investigate whether they are using these pills or if it was the PMF soldiers who escaped.” But he said the prisoners are being cared for according to the group’s POW policy.
“We won’t torture or murder the POWs. Even though they are guilty, they have the right to live.”
Over ten Burma army soldiers and PMF soldiers have been detained since the end of January when the PNLA renounced its ceasefire with the Burma army and fighting started in the region with support from other resistance forces.
According to information obtained by PNLA, intense fighting broke out with the regime and PMF in the north of Hsihseng town on February 6, during which at least six enemy soldiers were killed and six assault rifles captured.
