Two civilians killed, two injured after KIA soldier opens fire in Hpakant, Kachin State

Two civilians were killed and two others injured in Hpakant, Kachin State, after an intoxicated Kachin Independence Army (KIA) soldier opened fire and then died by suicide on 6 July, according to local residents. The incident occurred around midnight in Welon Village, on the Hpakant-Indawgyi Road. Local residents said two intoxicated KIA soldiers were involved in an altercation with villagers, and that one of the soldiers fired approximately 13 shots before taking his own life. The two deceased were identified as a mother and her son. Cho Cho Oo, the mother, died instantly, while her son, 55-year-old Aik Hnaung, died from his wounds on the morning of 7 July. Both victims sustained two gunshot wounds, residents said. According to a local resident, the incident began when the two intoxicated KIA soldiers stopped a child on a motorcycle, accused him of using drugs, and assaulted him. After releasing the child, the soldiers later forced a shop owner to bring the child back, and continued assaulting him inside the shop. Aik Hnaung, described as a local leader, and a 71-year-old village elder, Nyunt Maung, intervened to de-escalate the situation and asked the soldiers to leave. In response, one of the soldiers opened fire, residents said. During the same incident, the soldier punched Nyunt Maung, prompting further attempts by the two deceased and other nearby residents to intervene. The soldier then fired indiscriminately, striking Nyunt Maung twice in the back and injuring another woman in the arm. Witnesses said they hid as the shooting continued for about 20 minutes before the soldier died by suicide. Local residents also said KIA authorities are attempting to suppress information about the incident, and that senior KIA officials have been notified to address the matter with the affected families.