The Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) officially withdrew from peace negotiations with the military junta on Friday, announcing its commitment to join the fight against Myanmar’s military until the dictatorship is dismantled and a federal democratic system is established for all citizens.

In a statement, the PNLO expressed frustration over the lack of tangible political progress despite eight years of engagement in peace talks. The organization highlighted the ongoing conflict between those in power and those oppressed by the dictatorship, emphasizing the widespread oppression faced by ethnic communities and others across Myanmar.

The decision to exit the peace talks came after clashes erupted in Hsihseng, a southern Shan town controlled by the junta despite being within the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone. While the PNLO had signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in 2015 and continued participating in peace negotiations following the coup, tensions with the junta escalated this week.

The PNLO's armed wing, the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA), announced that it had seized the junta’s Light Infantry Battalion 424 in Hsihseng Town, along with weapons and ammunition. As violence escalated, residents fled to neighboring areas to escape junta bombings, with some displaced individuals originating from Karenni State seeking refuge in Hsihseng.

Tensions between the PNLA and junta forces escalated further in Hopong Township's Sam Hpu village on Jan 21, leading to clashes that spread to Hsihseng town after junta jets bombed Naung Htaw village the following day, near the PNLO’s headquarters.

The PNLO clarified in its statement that it had adhered to the terms of the NCA and refrained from participating in nationwide armed resistance against the junta until clashes erupted in Hsihseng town.

Additionally, the organization affirmed its commitment to not target other Pa-O ethnic groups and called upon the Pa-O militia aligned with the junta to join the movement for national liberation, without explicitly mentioning the Pa-O National Organization.

Amid escalating tensions, approximately 150 junta troops and members of the Pa-O National Organization reportedly attacked Lwal Htwal village in PNLA-controlled territory on Thursday, resulting in the death of one militia member.

Reflecting on the ongoing conflict, a Pa-O resident of Taunggyi Township in southern Shan State emphasized the significance of resisting the junta’s military, acknowledging the inevitable sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom.

BOB Post