The Pa-O National Organisation [PNO] junta militia said that at least seven adults from each village in the Pa-O Autonomous Region would have to join the PNO as soldiers, according to residents in the region.

The PNO's 6 July statement also said that all adults in the Pa-O autonomous region had to receive martial arts training at PNO militia bases.

According to a resident who wanted to remain anonymous, the PNO said they needed to carry out the conscription drive because other armed groups have been entering PNO areas, so the group needs to reinforce its forces.

The resident said: “Villagers who are between the ages of 18 and 50 have to learn martial arts. A villager was told that at least seven adults per village in all Pa-O areas must join the PNO. Adults between the ages of 18 and 35 will have to draw lots to decide who must join the PNO.”

But there are a few residents who will, fortunately, find themselves exempt from conscription. 'The Children of PNO officers were not included in drawing lots to decide who must join the PNO”, added the resident.

According to villagers, this has led to an exodus of young adults from Pa-O Autonomous Region villages going to Thailand for work because they do not want to serve in the PNO.