Local residents report that a conflict between the Military Council troops and the joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) resulted in the deaths of three policemen and six civilians. The incident occurred in the parish area, commonly known as Myauk Kone, which is located near Longkhin village in Hpakant township.

According to a Longkhin village resident, on March 18 at approximately 6:00 p.m., the KIA-PDF joint forces launched an attack on the Military Council's Myauk Kone camp located near Longkhin village.

“Three policemen and six civilians died in the incident. Among the deceased civilians, four were

men, one was a woman, and a child. The bodies have been transported to the hospital,” said an eyewitness.

The six civilian fatalities were reportedly residents living near the highway bus station of Nyienchan Tharyar village, where the conflict occurred. According to sources, they died from gunshot wounds.

“ It has not been confirmed yet which side fired the bullets that killed the six civilians as they were in close proximity to the conflict area,”stated a local source.

In Hpakant city, starting from the beginning of March, the Military Council forces have been targeting civilians who are suspected of having connections with the revolutionary forces. As of the second week of March, at least 30 individuals, including both civilians and KIA soldiers, have been arrested.

On the night of March 18, there are reports that the Myauk Kone military base may have been attacked, possibly in retaliation for the recent crackdown on civilians by the Military Council forces in Hpakant city. However, at this time, the KNG news agency has not been able to verify these reports independently.