Six killed as MNDAA shoots at villagers opposing gold mining in Shan State

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) opened fire on civilians attempting to halt a gold mining operation in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, killing six people on Wednesday. Villagers from Ping Hkam, including a member of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), confronted the MNDAA forces in Mong Si village tract, about 40 miles east of Kutkai Town. The group attempted to stop the powerful armed group from using heavy machinery to extract gold before the incident suddenly turned violent.As tensions escalated between the MNDAA and villagers, some MNDAA members cocked their weapons, prompting the villagers to grab at their guns, sparking a physical struggle. The confrontation briefly gave way to negotiations, but as the villagers began to leave, MNDAA troops allegedly opened fire, killing and wounding several, said KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu."I heard that a Kokang soldier was preparing his weapon and made threats, which angered the villagers,” Col. Naw Bu said. “Then they attempted to take the gun from him, leading to an argument and a physical struggle.”Five local men were killed on the spot, while another shortly after died from his wounds.A woman from Kutkai, who requested anonymity for security concerns, told Myanmar Now that this was not the first time civilians had intervened to stop environmentally destructive mining operations."They had attempted to stop them on two or three previous occasions,” the woman said. “When the MNDAA came with their machinery this time, the villagers went to intercept them. After the confrontation was over and they were turning to leave, the troops fired randomly at them, injuring everyone.” For two weeks, the MNDAA has attempted to mine gold in Ping Hkam village, facing persistent resistance from locals who oppose mining to protect their farmland and water sources.In 2023, villagers also pushed back against KIA-led gold mining, and in late 2024, they formally petitioned multiple armed groups—including the KIA, MNDAA, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Shan State Army (SSP)—to halt all mining activities in the area.One of the deceased was a KIA member on leave who happened to be residing in Ping Hkam village.“He was not carrying any weapons or wearing a uniform,” Col. Naw Bu said. “He was living as a regular civilian at that time."Later that evening, residents from Ping Hkam and neighbouring villages carried the bodies to an MNDAA administrative office where they subsequently held a protest.Sources say the protesters called for a ban on armed groups in their area, demanded that gold mining only proceed with villagers' consent, and insisted on compensation for the victims, including coverage of funeral expenses."The main request they made was for a letter, stamped with the official seal of the MNDAA office and signed by the appropriate officials, guaranteeing that such killings would not occur in the future," the woman said.Col. Naw Bu pointed out that the MNDAA's use of firearms in response to civilian protests could be considered a war crime.The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), an ethnic Kokang armed group, has been a key player in the ongoing conflict in northern Shan State. Historically allied with China-backed communist forces, the group has engaged in sporadic clashes with Myanmar’s military for decades. In 2023, the MNDAA, alongside the TNLA and the Arakan Army (AA), launched Operation 1027, seizing strategic territory from the military junta.Since gaining control over areas like Mong Si, the MNDAA has increasingly focused on economic activities, including resource extraction, which has led to growing tensions with local communities. Reports suggest that the group has used its territorial control to expand mining operations, often clashing with civilians and rival ethnic armed groups over land and resource rights.“Armed groups like ours must stand with the people,” Col. Naw Bu said. “These groups can only establish a strong foundation with the support of the people. Any organisation lacking public support will never receive any recognition.”

Six killed as MNDAA shoots at villagers opposing gold mining in Shan State

The villagers had repeatedly opposed gold mining in their area, citing environmental concerns and land rights

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