20 June, 2026
In Hpakant Township, Kachin State, military forces fired heavy weapons at a site where people had gathered to mark the birthday of public leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Two civilians were reported injured in the attack.
The shelling struck Seikmu village around 12:00 noon, reportedly fired from a military position. The blast hit near a car workshop (Asia Auto Car Wash) by the bridge at Ward 3 in Seikmu, causing the two people to sustain injuries.
A local resident told Manau Voice that the soldiers deliberately targeted the protest site. The resident said there was no need to point out the location because it had already spread on the lines (among people). One injured person was struck in the abdomen and became seriously worried, while the other suffered a wound near the thigh and was bleeding heavily.
Following reports of the gathering, troops also conducted searches and checks in surrounding areas, including the junction near Zawti Ka market in Maw One ward and routes toward Lae Pyin village, stopping and inspecting people passing through.
Another local resident said phone and motorcycle checks had been happening for two days straight. The resident added that when they passed through they had not been arrested, but since the town was effectively under military control the troops acted as they wished, searching whenever they received reports.
Earlier the same morning, Hpakant residents had held a commemorative event marking the birthday of detained public leader Aung San Suu Kyi, during which the reported shelling and subsequent security operations took place.
