The unlawful detention of 15-year-old Nang Ying Hom by the Kokang Army (MNDAA) in Mong Yaw village tract, Lashio Township, Shan State, has ignited widespread outrage and growing fears for her deteriorating physical and mental well-being.

Nang Ying Hom was arrested in early February by MNDAA soldiers, accused of being linked to a dispute between two Kokang soldiers that escalated into a fatal shooting. Despite her young age and the absence of formal charges, she has been held captive for nearly a month, leaving her family and community desperate for her release.

On March 4, her parents were granted a brief visit at the Long Mum village monastery, where she is being detained. What they witnessed was deeply distressing. Nang Ying Hom appeared weak and mentally distressed after weeks of confinement.

“The family’s demands are simple but urgent,” a close relative told SHAN. “First, they want her immediate release. Second, they insist she must not be moved elsewhere before her release. Third, they fear for her safety, as she is clearly at risk.”

Concerns over her safety have intensified following reports that the mother of the deceased soldier involved in the dispute has threatened her life. “She swore the girl would die alongside her son,” a local resident revealed. “That may be why the MNDAA is refusing to release her.”

Despite repeated pleas from her family, village elders, and civil society organizations, the MNDAA remains unresponsive. On February 22, her parents, backed by Shan civil society groups, sought help from the United Wa State Army (UWSA) liaison office in Lashio and submitted a formal letter to MNDAA headquarters in Laukkai. However, no action has been taken.

“The Kokang soldiers told us to drop the case, but the girl is still being held,” said a source close to the family. “The lack of accountability is appalling.”

In an effort to escalate pressure, Shan civil society organizations issued urgent appeals on March 1 to international human rights groups, embassies, and organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, China, and Thailand, urging them to intervene for Nang Ying Hom’s immediate release.

Meanwhile, an online campaign under the hashtag “Free Nang Ying Hom” has gained momentum, rallying activists and supporters worldwide. Slogans such as “Release Nang Ying Hom, abducted by the MNDAA” and “A civilian is not a hostage” have flooded social media, drawing global attention to her plight.

SHAN has repeatedly attempted to contact MNDAA spokesperson Li Kyar Win for comment, but no response has been received.