According to local sources who wished to remain anonymous, Sai Toi was shot around 9pm while visiting residents in Wanparng village, the group’s headquarters.

“An unknown individual opened fire on him,” said one of the sources. “He died immediately at the scene.”

A cremation service was held for Maj. Sai Toi the following day in Wanparng, attended by representatives of the Burmese military and other people’s militias in the area, including the Mahasarng and Pang Leng Sai groups.

Wanparng People’s Militia used to be Brigade 758, a unit under the control of the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA). It was led at the time by Col. Murngzuen who surrendered to the Burmese armed forces in 2005, after which it was transformed into a people’s militia force.

In 2010, Col. Murngzuen was killed; Maj. Sai Toi then stepped up to take over as leader of the group.

Some sources have hinted that Sai Toi’s killing may be linked to an affair or sexual liaison, while others speculated that it was business related.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)