MNDAA Soldiers Severely Beat and Injure Two Local Men in Kutkai

It is reported that soldiers from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) or Kogang Army beat and seriously injured two local men in Ngao Ngar Village, Man Nein Village Tract, Kutkai Township—an area currently controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

At approximately 2:00 am on the 20th, about 250 MNDAA soldiers advanced toward Ngao Ngai Village from the direction of Mong Yu Lay. An argument reportedly broke out when MNDAA troops demanded the removal of TNLA soldiers stationed at a local post, leading to the assault on the villagers.

A resident of Ngao Ngai village stated, “MNDAA troops were raiding houses in the village. One victim was beaten on the road while walking from his home to the monastery. Two civilians were attacked; while one sustained minor injuries, the other was severely beaten with sticks and knives. They were neither arrested nor handcuffed.”

The resident added that the seriously injured man is currently receiving medical treatment at Kutkai Hospital for a severe injury to his left leg.

This incident follows a previous conflict on the 13th, when the TNLA dismantled CCTV cameras installed by the MNDAA on the Union Highway in Kutkai, leading to mutual arrests and heightened military tensions.

“Yesterday, a checkpoint was set up at the gate between Hsenwi and the Kokang region. They placed a table in the middle of the road to inspect belongings and question travelers about their ethnicity and military affiliation. They specifically interrogated female passengers to check if they were soldiers,” said a woman who recently traveled to the area.

Due to the deteriorating relationship between the TNLA and MNDAA, security checks at checkpoints have become increasingly strict, reportedly targeting Ta’ang ethnic individuals, leading to incidents such as these beatings.