The Pa-O National Organization (PNO) issued a statement on March 14 condemning the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and its allied organizations for committing a ruthless massacre on Pa-O civilians and three monks, including the presiding monk of Nam Nain Monastery, as well as creating arson attacks on the religious buildings and incitement of  racial and religious conflicts.

The Pa-O National Organization said in its statement that Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and its allied organizations intruded into Taung Mae Village, Lone Pyin Village, Pin Pann Village and Nam Nain Village on February 23. The villages are located under Pa-O Self-Administered Special Zone (6). After, they (KNDF) encroached into the region, abducted the Pa-O civilians to use as human shields, destroyed the residential houses and properties, and also took over religious and residential buildings to use as their defensive shelters.

The statement added that the KNDF and allied armed groups also robbed money, jewelries and valuable belongings of the Pa-O villagers. Moreover, the PNO confirmed that the KNDF and its allied organizations also committed the ruthless mass murder against the innocent civilians of Pa-O ethnic from Taung Mae Thin Village and Nam Nain Village. Again, the KNDF and its allies conducted arson attacks on the residential houses and religious infrastructures. These militant KNDF groups assassinated three Buddhist monks (Sanghas) including the presiding Buddhist Monk of the Nam Nain Village Monastery. The Pa-O National Organization highlighted that the KNDF brutal terrorists’ acts are conducted intentionally to create spark on racial and religious conflicts. These militant KNDF and their allied armed groups are committing inhumane crimes. Therefore, the PNO, strongly condemn on this merciless massacre on the people. Moreover, the PNO promised to live peaceful coexistence and to carry regional security tasks in Pa-O Self-Administered Special Zone (6) as well as the PNO urged the national brethren to strive not to occur on racial and religious conflicts and battlefield.