Following recent clashes between the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA/PNLO) and the Pa-O National Army (PNA/PNO) in Mawkmai Township, southern Shan State, residents say the PNO has launched an urgent recruitment drive, raising alarm among families in Taunggyi and Yawnghwe (Nyaungshwe) townships.

Local sources report that the group is primarily recalling men who previously completed short-term, seven-day “village defense” training, enabling rapid redeployment.

“They are mainly calling back those who already completed PNO military training. Since these men underwent a week of ‘village defense’ training, they don’t need to start from scratch and can be sent directly to the front lines. We heard they suffered heavy casualties in recent battles, which is likely why they are recruiting so urgently,” a local man from the Inle region told SHAN.

Residents describe growing anxiety among families, particularly as some youths previously recruited from Taunggyi are believed to have been killed in frontline combat.

A PNO member denied allegations of forced recruitment, saying the mobilization is necessary to maintain security amid ongoing instability.

“It’s not conscription. As long as the political situation remains unstable, we are calling on those aged 18 to 35 to defend their villages and operational areas. We offer various training programs ranging from one to six months. This is simply to prevent outside forces from encroaching and to protect our communities,” the PNO member said.

Meanwhile, residents in Taunggyi, Yawnghwe, and Hopong townships report increased joint operations between Military Council troops and PNO forces. These activities allegedly include arbitrary arrests of civilians for portering and renewed recruitment linked to Military Service Batch 20. Although conscription was temporarily suspended during the January election period, locals say the program resumed in the Inle region in early February.

The latest recruitment push follows earlier financial demands tied to military mobilization. In August 2025, residents say the PNA/PNO required households in parts of the Inle area to pay 500,000 kyats as a “military service fee.” Those unable to pay were allegedly forced into service and deployed to frontline positions.

Observers warn that intensified fighting, accelerated recruitment, and mounting financial pressure are deepening fear across affected communities, where civilians increasingly feel trapped between armed actors competing for manpower and territorial control.