[8] They are given some assistance by the military of Myanmar, which in turn utilises them to compensate for its lack of local knowledge and intelligence, as well as its shortage of manpower.

[6] The Pyusawhti quickly became the personal militaries of local leaders appointed by the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League, the dominant political party at the time.

[6] Burmese security forces had previously deployed similar networks, including swan ar shin (စွမ်းအားရှင်, lit.

[6] During the 2021 Myanmar civil war, newly formed militias called the Pyusawhti often fought with Tatmadaw troops and helped to occupy contested areas.

[13] Burmese security forces have leveraged Pyusawhti militias for reinforcements, military intelligence, and knowledge of local terrain, especially in the Dry Zone theater.

[6] Some villages with Pyusawhti militias face social isolation, and the People’s Defense Forces restrict their access to necessities like food and fuel.

Locals claimed that they and soldiers of the military of Myanmar threatened to cut off food and water supply or seize houses if they didn't agree to join them.