Shan civil society organizations have issued a statement urging the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) to restore the original entrance landmark of Hsipaw and to immediately cease human rights violations against local residents.

According to the statement, TNLA altered the landmark at the entrance of Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State on February 7. 

The group replaced the original design, which featured the Shan State flag and Shan language, with the Ta'ang (Palaung) national flag and colors. Additionally, they erased the original name inscription written in Shan script.

The 2014 census recorded that Hsipaw Township had a Shan population of 135,363, accounting for 79.89% of the total residents. 

The township is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Bamar, Palaung (Ta'ang), and Lisu, who have historically coexisted peacefully. Shan civil society organizations highlighted that different ethnic groups, including the Shan majority, have lived together harmoniously since the time of the ancient Shan saophas (rulers).

The statement criticized TNLA for unilaterally changing the entrance landmark to represent only one ethnic group without considering the sentiments of the local community. 

The organizations questioned whether this act reflected expansionist policies and an attempt to impose ethnic dominance.

Furthermore, since November 2024, TNLA has reportedly been forcibly recruiting youths and civilians into its military in Hsipaw and Kyaukme Townships. 

On January 5, 2025, TNLA allegedly arrested local villagers in San Pheik village, Hsipaw Township, for using mobile phones. 

The statement condemned these ongoing human rights violations, warning that such actions could foster authoritarian rule, ethnic supremacy, and long-term ethnic conflicts.

Shan civil society groups declared their firm opposition to the alteration of Hsipaw’s entrance landmark and pledged solidarity with local residents. 

They demanded that TNLA restore the original landmark and immediately cease its human rights violations against the local population.

On September 2, 2024, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee of the State Administration Council-SAC designated TNLA, along with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), as terrorist organizations.