Two men were shot dead on the main road in Maw Si Sa village, Hpakant Township, Kachin State, according to local sources. The incident occurred around 10:30 AM on August 22, 2023, near the intersection of the main road connecting Lonekhin and Hpakant. The first victim was identified as Ko Chit Naing, aged 45, while the second victim was an unidentified man in his thirties. The shootings took place in close succession on the same road.
Ko Chit Naing was shot four times near the Shin Cho betel nut shop close to Basic Education High School No. 2 in Maw Si Sa village. The second victim was killed near the intersection of the main road in Maw Si Sa village. Local sources reported that methamphetamine-like substances were found in Ko Chit Naing’s possession, and the second victim had reportedly been sitting in the area for an extended period before the shooting. Based on these circumstances, local residents believe both victims may have been involved with narcotics.
The exact perpetrators and motives behind the shootings remain unclear, though local sources suggest the victims’ possible connection to drug-related activities. Since the arrival of military columns in the Hpakant area, more than 60 civilians have reportedly been killed due to military shootings. This incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in the region and the ongoing violence against civilians. The local community continues to face significant challenges amid the increasing instances of violence and unrest in the area.
