A chilling discovery has left residents of Hsipaw Township in shock after the bodies of three young girls were found near Nar Mak Hkaw village on February 25. The victims, estimated to be between 14 and 18 years old, were found wearing only their underwear in a remote area behind the village, which is under the control of the Kokang Army (MNDAA).

A local resident, who witnessed the aftermath, described the tragic scene. “We don’t know exactly when they were killed, but their bodies were dumped in an isolated area. Later, the village head and Kokang troops arrived to cremate them,” the resident told SHAN.

The identities of the victims remain a mystery, with no known information about their families, origins, or the perpetrators responsible for their deaths. Some locals speculate that the victims may have been young women working in KTV lounges near Nawng Kaw Gyi village tract, also controlled by the MNDAA.

“The girls likely weren’t from Nar Mak Hkaw. Many young women from different areas come here for work due to limited job opportunities. Some get involved with soldiers for financial support, and drug use is also common among the youth,” another resident explained.

The security situation in the region has remained volatile since August last year when the MNDAA launched an attack and seized the military council’s Infantry Battalion 147 in Nawng Kaw Gyi village. The armed group continues to control the area, with dominance over key roads between Mong Yai and Nam Lan. Additionally, the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) maintains a presence in the region, adding to ongoing tensions.

As of now, authorities have not launched an official investigation into the murders, heightening concerns among residents about safety and justice. The case underscores the growing insecurity in northern Shan State and the vulnerabilities faced by young women in conflict-affected areas.