One child killed, three injured in hand grenade explosion in Namhpatkar Village

One child was killed and three others were injured in an explosion while playing with a hand grenade in Namhpatka Village, Kutkai Township—an area currently under the control of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The incident occurred at 1:00 p.m. on February 3. Maung Hparain Zup Aung (5), Soe Ko Ko (3), and Maung Yan Yon Chein (13) sustained injuries, while 10-year-old Maung Yan Yon Chan tragically lost his life.

“I don’t know where they found the grenade; I only found out when I returned from work,” said Maung Hprain Zup Aung’s mother. “I have no idea which group the grenade belonged to. It exploded while the children were playing. One child died, and my own son was injured.”

Maung Hprain Zup Aung and Soe Ko Ko are currently in critical condition at Hsenwi (Sini) Hospital and require urgent surgery.

“There are soldiers in the villages, and children often fall victim to landmines. This is devastating for the community, and we are deeply saddened by it,” the mother told TWO.

Namhpatkar is currently under the control of the KIA and is jointly administered by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).