Police force in Kali sub-township of Shan State South’s Kunhing township, was attacked by an unknown gunman on Sunday night, wounding at least 2 on the police side, according to local reports.
“He came ina motorbike and fired at the police quarters about five times. The policemen then fired back at random, resulting in damages in the neighborhood,” said a local villager.
The number of policemen staying in their newly constructed quarters located in downtown was around 30. The shooting lasted for half an hour from around19:00 local time.
There were different opinions about who the gunman was. Some said he could be one of the people who was not satisfied with the police setting up checkpoints to demand money after the junta started to establish the new regional command to be known as ‘Middle East’ in the area in January.
Since the construction started each vehicle is required to pay at least Kyat 3,000(US$ 4) for each trip and while a shop is being asked to pay at least Kyat 100, 000 to 400,000 (US$ 117) as a contribution to local municipal officials and police officers, said a local shopkeeper.
On the other hand, some others say it could be the handiwork of the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘South’ as it used to do once in the past.
According to local sources, similar events took place 5 years ago when the SSA ‘South’ campaigned against Burma Army movements in the area.
“The military junta is now expanding its military control in the area at this time. So it can also be the group’s actions,” a local villager said.
The SSA was not available for either confirmation or rejection of his statement.
Nevertheless, Kunhing area commander has reportedly arrived at the area on the next morning and ordered all Burma Army soldiers including local militia forces to tighten up security.
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