Mysterious killings target civilians in Hpakant
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Hsu/ Thet Paing (NP News) - July 7
In Lone Khin Village Tract, Hpakant, Kachine State, civilians are being killed in mysterious and unsolved shootings on a near-daily basis, local sources spoke to The Statesman.
Since June 1, more than 30 people have been killed in the Lone Khin village tract, all of whom died from gunshot wounds. To date, however, the perpetrators remain unidentified, a local resident told The Statesman.
“There are many online claims that the military is responsible for these deaths. However, what many don’t realize is that most of these victims were gunned down by two individuals on a motorcycle. These same shooters are believed to be responsible for the majority of the killings,” the resident said.
Locals noted that most of the victims are reportedly homeless drug addicts and the shootings tend to occur overnight or in the early morning hours.
“Nearly all of those shot dead are drug users. They usually sleep at roadside stalls at night, doing odd jobs for various people, involving in drug use. Every single morning, we see or hear people dead or wounded from gunshot,” another Lone Khin resident explained.
After a military column had arrived in Hpakant on May 27, the KIA issued a night-time curfew in the area starting June 1.
Locals said that shortly after the announcement of curfew, the number of shooting deaths and injuries in the Lone Khin village tract has occurred almost every day. –