MNDAA Forces Kill Local Man in Namphatkar

A local man was reportedly shot and killed by MNDAA forces while attempting to extinguish a fire caused by a drone strike in Namphatkar Village, Kutkai Township, Northern Shan State, according to family members.

The victim, identified as Ko Naing Htun from Ward 4, was killed on March 14 at approximately 2:00 p.m. His wife alleged that MNDAA troops not only shot him but also burned his remains instead of returning the body to the family.

“It was during the clashes in Namphatkar. The house set ablaze by the drone strike belonged to his grandfather, so he went to help put out the fire,” she recounted. “As he went up, he was shot in the back of the head. Witnesses told us the deceased was wearing a white shirt and had a tattoo on his right arm, which is how we identified him.”

A witness, who was picking up a child from school at the time, confirmed seeing a man fitting that description being shot. Based on these details, the family confirmed the victim was indeed Ko Naing Htun.

When the family approached the MNDAA to identify and claim the body, the group reportedly refused to release it. Instead, they proceeded to burn the victim’s body along with his motorcycle and mobile phone.

The MNDAA launched a large-scale offensive against the Ta’ang Army-controlled town of Kutkai on March 14. Reports of further civilian casualties and injuries resulting from drone strikes and heavy artillery are expected to be released as investigations continue.