A 54-year-old man was shot on Sunday evening by an unknown gunman in northern Shan State’s Hsipaw Township, while playing the board game carrom. 

The victim, U Zawtika, is now in critical condition, according to social outreach group Volunteers Without Borders in Hsipaw. Ko Myo, who works with the group, said that he was transferred to Lashio hospital on Monday. 

The incident occurred near Bodaw monastery in Pang Tein Tawng ward, while U Zawtika was playing carroms with a friend. 

“While they were playing, a man called his name. When he replied, the gunman shot at him. He got gunshot injuries in his thigh and waist,” Hsipaw resident Sai Win told SHAN. 

Ko Myo of Volunteers Without Borders said that he did not know if an armed group was behind the shooting, or what the motive for the attack could be. 

Civilians are frequently shot in northern Shan State, but arrests are rarely made. 

The Burma Army, ethnic armed organizations, and a number of government-backed militias are active in Hsipaw Township.