Residents of villages in areas controlled by the Pa-O National Organisation (PNO) in Yawnghwe (Nyaungshwe) Township, southern Shan State, say they are being forced to take turns standing guard and providing other forms of support to the militia group.

Since mid-July, the Myanmar military (SAC) and PNO militiamen have reportedly ordered villagers to return home and wear PNO uniforms while on watch duty, according to local sources.

Taung Poet Kwe village, home to more than 300 households, has borne the brunt. A resident said villagers are required to buy the uniforms themselves and pay 800,000 kyats (about USD 185) per household as tax.

“Those who cannot afford the uniforms are still made to stand guard. We also have to send them food, even though we don’t have enough for ourselves,” he said.

In Loi Nwet village, residents said the PNO militia group ordered five people from each community to stand guard every 15 days. The village, located about a two-hour drive from Inle Lake and east of Pai Khun (Pekon), is home to a PNO military outpost.

In Hpayartaung village, a 30-year-old man said households must contribute 500,000 kyats to cover the cost of those on guard duty.

“If you can’t do your turn on guard duty, you still have to pay. That’s why I don’t dare go back home,” he said.

The orders have reportedly affected Hpayartaung, Loi Nwet, Nyaung Lay Pin, Yaepu, and Nang Toke villages for more than six months.

Clashes between the PNO militia group and anti-junta forces have been ongoing east of Inle Lake since March, with frequent military activity disrupting daily life. Residents say most communities in the area are struggling to survive and are now dependent on donations.