Thanks to local ethnic people, security forces reclaim Hsihseng Town shortly, begin rehabilitation and cash assistance
Nay Pyi Taw March 29
Hsihseng Town, nestled 3,310 feet above sea level in Shan State (South), is a peaceful haven for the PaO ethnic people. Bordering Hopon Township to the north, Maukme Township to the east, and Phegon, Nyaungshwe, and Taunggyi townships to the west, it sits at the crossroads of several regions.
Since February 16, armed groups affiliated with the KNPP, KNDF, and PDF have entered Hsihseng Township in Shan State (South), an area traditionally inhabited by the PaO people. This influx has disrupted the region's previous peace and stability. These groups, allegedly acting under the influence of the PNLO, have infiltrated PaO villages in Hopon and Menetaung townships as well as Hsihseng disguised as civilians. They have been attacking military bases, security force headquarters, burning houses in villages, and harassing or harming local residents. The situation escalated due to alleged forced looting of property belonging to ethnic groups. Clashes erupted between the armed groups and security forces, displacing local residents who have sought refuge in safer areas.
Following 32 days of combined efforts by local military personnel, ethnic militia forces, and residents to combat insurgents, stability has returned to Hsihseng Township. To revitalize the villages, a collaborative effort is underway. Myanmar police, government department staff, ethnic militia forces, and local communities are engaged in comprehensive rehabilitation activities, including cleaning initiatives. Relevant officials are also providing essential supplies and financial assistance.
Despite ongoing mine detonations and arson attacks by insurgents in some areas, rehabilitation efforts are underway in Hsihseng. Myanmar police, government department staff, and ethnic militia forces are working to restore residential areas and vital infrastructure, including religious sites, healthcare facilities, and schools, that were damaged in the violence Major General Naing Naing Oo from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), along with the Eastern Command commander and other officials visited the affected areas to assess the situation and address local needs.
Major General Naing Naing Oo, along with the Eastern Command commander and other officials, met with local ethnic communities and government department staff.
During the meeting, they coordinated relief efforts, provided donations to the city's renowned Mwaydaw Pagoda, and offered cash assistance to both departmental staff and security forces.
The previously peaceful Hsihseng region, home to the PaO ethnic group, has faced disruption due to the violent actions of the PNLO group.
The PNLO, involved in arms smuggling, has been linked to recent weapons seizures. On December 17, 2023, security forces intercepted a vehicle traveling from Sanin Village to Pinbyit Village. The vehicle contained 499 Type-81 weapons, 498 bullet casings, and related accessories. In a separate incident on January 20, 2024, five vehicles carrying weapons were apprehended in Sanphu Village. Security forces seized 504 various weapons, 10 RPGs, and 6 107 mm shock missiles.
The group set fire to the vehicles in an attempt to destroy some of the ammunition.
The PaO Self-Administered Zone in Shan State (South) experienced a period of unrest following clashes between security forces and armed groups affiliated with the NUG, KNPP, KNDF, and KPDF. Tensions arose due to accusations of collaboration with authorities regarding weapons smuggling.
These accusations targeted members of the PaO ethnic group, despite them being the dominant ethnicity in the region.
Starting on February 21, surprise attacks were launched against security forces, disrupting stability and peace in the region. The attacks targeted Union Road, a critical transportation route. Security forces responded with counterattacks, leading to 16 encounters. By February 29, security forces had regained full control of Union Road. Passenger and cargo transportation, which had been temporarily halted on March 1, resumed normal operations.
The PaO Self-Administered Zone administration credits the swift resolution of the recent unrest to the cooperation between security forces and a significant portion of the PaO ethnic communities. This collaboration facilitated a swift response to the situation.
Despite the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), recent unrest in Hsihseng Town has highlighted tensions.
Some groups within the PNLO appear to have been influenced by external actors and have taken actions harmful to the PaO people.
In response, a significant portion of the PaO ethnic community from surrounding villages joined forces with security forces and local militia on February 27. Clashes ensued and they recaptured Hokhe Monastery and the hospital on February 28, the hospital staff housing and the police station on March 2, Mwaydaw Pagoda on March 13, Sanphu Village on March 18, Kyaukkacha on March 19 and the intersection of Phayaphyu on 25 March, regaining control of Hsihseng Town. Unfortunately, these clashes resulted in injuries among security forces, local militia, and some members of the armed groups. It is also reported that weapons and ammunition were confiscated during the conflict.
The rapid restoration of normalcy in Hsihseng is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the local population, security forces, and local militia. Their combined actions prioritized the well-being of the region.