PNO plans to expand auxiliary forces by 400,000 in self-administered zone 6
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NP News - Aug 28
A high-ranking official of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO/PNA) told The Statesman that the Pa-O Self-administered Zone Special Region No. 6 is scheduled to expand the auxiliary military forces to 400,000 within the region.
At pres ent, the first batch of basic military training has been opened in Naungtayar, Pinlaung Township in the Pa-O SAZ Special Region No. 6, southern Shan State. A total of over 10,000 locals from four village tracts located in Naungtayar Town have joined the said first batch of basic military training.
The source said, “More than 10,000 individuals are now being camped at that first intake of the basic military training opened in Naungtayar to conduct the security measures. The terrorists attacked and raided the southern part of Pinlaung Township in early 2023. We explained and educated the public that if we cannot protect our area in the next time assaults, there will be many destructions later. Many locals joined with us.”
He added that those over 10,000 personnel joined the auxiliary forces to protect their towns. He continued that opening the basic military training is to develop a self-defense system in the Pa-O region and to collaborate with the Union Government so as to conduct security and defense measures in Special Region No. 6 for peaceful coexistence between the ethnicities.
It is reported that there are four administration districts in the Special Region No. 6, known as Santangkham, Mong Morkham, Khun Bua Kham, which are located in Pinlaung, Naungtayar, His-Hseng and Hopone townships. The regional authorities plan to deploy 100,000 personnel in each administration district.
In January 2024, the combined forces of KNDF (Karenni), PNLA (Pa-O National Liberation Army), and PDF terrorists launched military assaults within the Pa-O Self-administered Zone Special Region No. 6.