More than 40 civilian houses were destroyed by artillery shelling and arson attacks in three days by a joint force of the military council and Pa-O National Army (PNA) in Hsihseng Township in Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in southern Shan State in three days, according to a statement by the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA).
From 16 to 18 May, the joint force was stationed in Htibwar (Yephyu) village in Hsihseng Township and burned down 24 houses, forcing villagers to flee in fear.
A local man from Htibwar village said, “The people had to flee. Some people are hiding in forests while some in the houses of their relatives in Taunggyi and Sikekhaung. Most of the IDPs are taking shelter in monasteries.”
On 16 and 17 May, the joint force of the military council and the PNA fired more than 100 rounds of heavy shells at Nawngkyaw and Kaungwein villages, burning down around 18 civilian houses, locals said.
Currently, the joint force is stationed in two villages. The displaced locals are in need of food and shelter.
A local from Nawngkyaw village said: “Some people could bring rice along, but some couldn’t. Some people have to rely on their relatives. Those who take shelter in monasteries have to bank on donors. Their long-term survival is difficult.”
The joint force is conducting offensives towards the villages in Hsihseng Township, forcing over 15,000 locals from Kawngwaing, Nawngkyaw, Htibwar and Kandawlay villages to flee.
On 20 April, the joint force of the military council and the PNA burned down eight civilian houses and a house and a grocery store owned by the Vice-Chair of the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) in Narhkaik village.
Till 18 May after the start of fighting on 21 May, around 651 houses and religious buildings were burned down by the joint force’s artillery shelling and airstrikes, according to Pa-O Youth Organization’s statement.
Sent by NMG