June 13, 2024

The Myanmar military junta, along with the PNO People’s Army under its control, has taken 59 villagers from Tihbwa (Yephyu) village in Sisai Township hostage, according to a statement released by the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) on June 12.

The villagers, who had been hiding in the forest to escape the ongoing conflict, were forced to return under threats of having their homes burned down by the junta and the PNO People’s Army. Upon their return, they were detained in the village hall.

The abduction occurred on June 10, and as of now, the villagers have not been released. Among those detained, more than half are women, with the majority being over 40 years old, according to the PNLA.

The statement from the PNLA also highlights a pattern of abductions, killings, and ransom demands by the junta and the PNO People’s Army in Sisai Township, illustrating the severe human rights abuses occurring in the region.