A civilian was wounded after a drunken militiaman from the Pa-O National Organization (PNO/PNA) militia opened fire in Kyauktan village, situated on the western bank of the Samka region in Nyaungshwe Township, Southern Shan State.

On the evening of March 22, a group of militiamen from PNO Battalion 7 operating under the control of the military council visited the home of 50-year-old U Htun Khin in Kyauktan village. During a drinking session, one of the militiamen recklessly discharged his firearm, striking the homeowner.

“They came to Kyauktan, got drunk, and fired their guns. U Htun Khin was shot and had to be taken to the hospital. These militiamen patrol the area, occupy villagers’ homes, and force residents to cook for them. People are living in fear,” a local resident told SHAN.

U Htun Khin was quickly transported to Taunggyi Hospital for medical treatment. His current condition remains unknown.

PNO militiamen have reportedly been harassing villagers beyond this incident. They conduct regular roadside inspections along the main road near the Balu Chaung River in the Samka area, stopping vehicles and motorcycles to extort money from travelers. Residents also face continuous demands to provide food and lodging for these armed forces.

Additionally, the PNA militia aligned with the military junta has established multiple checkpoints in Samka village, including at key locations such as the hospital, marina, and bridge. These checkpoints serve as a means of collecting fees from locals.

“They charge 5,000 Kyats for small boats and 10,000 Kyats for larger ones. Transporting goods comes with even higher fees, adding to the financial strain on villagers,” a Samka resident explained.

In a further escalation of violence, reports indicate that on March 24, the military and PNO forces launched a drone strike on a house in Ward 3 of Phaya Taung village, located south of Inle Lake. There were no reports of clashes in the area at the time, raising concerns that the attack was unprovoked.

Meanwhile, fuel restrictions around Inle Lake continue to create difficulties for residents. Boat operators, who rely on fuel for their livelihoods, are forced to pay extra if they exceed their limited supply, further deepening the economic hardships faced by local communities.

With growing fear and financial burdens, residents in Nyaungshwe Township remain on edge as armed forces tighten their grip over daily life.